Karun Nair's resilience: Retirement advice, India dreams, and a triumphant return from the depths.
  • 367 views
  • 2 min read

Karun Nair's recent selection for the Indian Test squad touring England is a story of resilience and unwavering self-belief. After being out of the national team for eight long years, Nair has revealed the challenges he faced and the motivation that kept him going. In a recent interview, Nair shared that he was even advised by a prominent Indian cricketer to retire from international cricket and focus on earning money through T20 leagues. This advice came during a period when Nair was struggling to find his place in the national team, and his performance in domestic cricket had also dipped.

Nair revealed the conversation he had with the senior cricketer around two years ago, recalling that they suggested he retire for financial security in the T20 leagues. However, Nair was determined not to give up on playing for India again. He acknowledged that it would have been easy to take the advice and pursue a career in franchise cricket, but he knew that he would regret it if he didn't give himself another shot at playing for India. He was quoted saying, "I was never going to give up on playing for India again...It's crazy, but deep down, I knew I was good enough."

Instead of giving in to the discouraging advice, Nair chose the tougher path of grinding it out in domestic cricket. He switched his team to Vidarbha before the next season, seeking a fresh start and new opportunities. This decision proved to be fruitful, as he went on to have a successful Ranji Trophy season, even winning the title in 2024-25. Furthermore, he also had a strong county stint. Nair bolstered his case for a return by scoring a double-century for India A against the England Lions in the first unofficial Test. In 10 County Championship matches over two seasons for Northamptonshire, he scored 736 runs at an average of 56.61, including a double century against Glamorgan. In the title-winning Ranji Trophy season for Vidarbha in 2024-25, he also scored 863 runs at an average of 53.93.

Nair's comeback story is a testament to his dedication and perseverance. He faced setbacks and doubts, but he never lost sight of his dream of playing for India again. His consistent performances in domestic cricket and his strong county stint eventually forced the selectors to take notice. His return to the Indian dressing room was warmly welcomed, with coach Gautam Gambhir praising his resilience and "never-say-die attitude."

Now, on the brink of a remarkable comeback after eight years, Nair is looking forward to making the most of his opportunity. If given a chance, he is likely to bat at number 3 or 4 in the Test series against England, which begins on June 20. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and anyone facing challenges in their pursuit of a dream. It proves that with hard work, determination, and self-belief, anything is possible.


Writer - Kavya Iyer
With an enthusiastic and observant eye, Kavya is passionate about the intersection of arts, culture, social trends, and sports. She's keen on exploring her city's evolving cultural landscape, covering local artistic expressions, music scenes, and community events, while also following the latest in the sports world. Kavya is developing her writing style to capture the vibrancy and nuances of the cultural sphere, aiming to connect artists with a wider audience and analyze the societal reflections within their work.
Advertisement

Latest Post


As the Indian cricket team gears up for the Asia Cup 2025, all eyes are on the squad selection, which is set to be announced today, August 19, in Mumbai. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, faces a complex task of balancing current form, es...
  • 127 views
  • 2 min

As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, cricket analysts and fans are buzzing about the possible composition of the Indian squad. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, faces some tough decisions balancing current form, workload management, and the n...
  • 267 views
  • 3 min

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce the 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 today, August 19. All speculations will be put to rest as the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, convenes in Mumbai to finalize the t...
  • 457 views
  • 2 min

The Indiana Fever and their fans are holding their breath, awaiting news on Sophie Cunningham's knee injury sustained during their recent game against the Connecticut Sun on August 17, 2025. The incident occurred in the second quarter when Sun guard ...
  • 262 views
  • 2 min

Advertisement
Wayne Rooney has voiced his strong opinions on the persistent issue of racism in football, recounting a distressing experience during his time managing DC United in Major League Soccer. Speaking on his new BBC podcast, "The Wayne Rooney Show," the fo...
  • 323 views
  • 2 min

The Edmonton Oilers have been actively exploring the European market to bolster their forward depth, particularly after signing David Tomasek. While Tomasek is expected to compete for a spot on the NHL roster, reports indicate that the Oilers also co...
  • 186 views
  • 2 min

Leeds United celebrated their return to the Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton at Elland Road, thanks to a late penalty from debutant Lukas Nmecha. The match, decided by a controversial handball decision, saw Leeds dominate fo...
  • 308 views
  • 2 min

Leeds United celebrated their return to the Premier League with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Everton, secured by a late penalty from debutant Lukas Nmecha. The match, played at a packed and vociferous Elland Road, saw Leeds dominate for long stretches...
  • 413 views
  • 2 min

Advertisement

About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 SportsBuzz360