Veteran batter Karun Nair voiced his disappointment after being left out of India’s squad for the upcoming home Test series against the West Indies. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the 15-member team for the two-match series on Thursday, September 25. Nair had recently marked a remarkable return to the Indian Test side during the England tour, ending an eight-year wait since his last appearance in 2017.
However, he was unable to convert his starts in the first three Tests, which led to his omission from the fourth game. The Karnataka batter was recalled for the series decider at The Oval, where he top-scored with a valuable 57 in the first innings. Although he managed just 17 runs in the second innings, India sealed a thrilling six-run victory to draw the series 2-2.
Just hours after being dropped from the squad for the West Indies Tests, Nair shared his feelings with TOI, saying:
“You should probably ask the selectors on what they’re thinking. Only thing is, in the last Test match also, I got a 50 when no one else scored in the first inning. So, yeah, I thought I contributed to the team and especially in the last game that we won. But yeah, it is what it is. Those things don’t matter.”
He further continued: “Yes, I did expect the selection. I don’t know what to say. No words. I don’t have any much comments to make. It’s very difficult for me to answer.”
“I’m Just Going To Play Ranji Trophy”- Karun Nair After Test Omission
Karun Nair also emphasized his focus on the Ranji Trophy following his omission from the national team. The 33-year-old had enjoyed a prolific run in India’s domestic circuit across formats last season, which earned him a return to the Test side. However, with the Indian Test team undergoing a transition under new captain Shubman Gill, Nair, at 33, could face challenges in making another comeback.
“There’s nothing much I can say. There’s nothing much that I can do to change anything. So, yeah, I just have to keep going. At least from my point of view, not from others’ point of view. In my head, I’m very clear. I did my best they have made the decision and you have to respect that. Now I’m just going to play Ranji Trophy,” Nair said (via the aforementioned source).
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