Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has raised concerns about the relevance of domestic cricket after Karun Nair was overlooked for India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Nair delivered a phenomenal performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, emerging as the tournament’s highest run-scorer. Representing Vidarbha, he amassed 779 runs in eight innings at an extraordinary average of 389.50 and a strike rate of 124.04.
With five centuries and a fifty to his name, Nair’s incredible form caught the attention of selectors and fueled calls from fans and experts for his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad.
Despite his stellar run, the 33-year-old was left out of the 15-member squad. In response, Harbhajan questioned the purpose of Indian domestic cricket if performances in such tournaments don’t translate into national selection.
“Is there a point playing Domestic cricket when you don’t pick players based on form & performance?,” wrote Harbhajan on his X account.
Karun Nair made his India debut during the five-match Test series against England in 2016 and secured his place in history as only the second Indian to score a triple century, achieving the feat in just his third Test. However, his subsequent performances in the next three Tests were underwhelming, leading to his exclusion from the team after the England tour in 2018.
Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged Nair’s impressive domestic performances but stated that it is currently challenging to accommodate him in the squad. He added that Nair will be considered as a backup option if any player loses form or sustains an injury ahead of or during the Champions Trophy.
Ajit Agarkar Assures Karun Nair Will Stay on Selectors’ Radar
“I mean, those are really special performances and I mean someone who averages about 700+, 750 + or something, we did have a chat, no doubt about it, when those kind of performances happen. At the moment, to find a spot in this team is very difficult. Look at the guys who have been picked. All average well in excess of mid-40s.”
“Unfortunately, you can’t fit everyone in a squad of 15. But those performances certainly make you take notice. If there is a loss of form (for a player) or injuries, there’s certainly going to be a conversation around him,” Agarkar said in the press conference while announcing the squad.
After an incredible run of four centuries and an 88 in his previous five innings, Karun Nair fell short in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final, managing only 27 off 31 balls. His early dismissal contributed to Vidarbha’s 36-run defeat against Karnataka, who clinched the title for a record fifth time.
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