Karun Nair's recent axing from India's Test squad for the fourth match against England has sparked debate about whether some players are simply not cut out for the pressures of international cricket. Nair's comeback to the Test side after an eight-year absence was initially seen as a heartening story of perseverance, fueled by outstanding performances in domestic cricket. However, his inability to replicate that success on the international stage has led to his exclusion, raising questions about the factors that separate domestic stars from international mainstays.

Nair's return to the Indian team was prompted by a stellar 2024-25 domestic season. Playing for Vidarbha, he amassed 863 runs in 16 innings in the Ranji Trophy, averaging 53.93 with four centuries. This included a match-winning century in the final against Kerala. He also captained Vidarbha to a runner-up finish in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, topping the scoring charts with 779 runs in eight innings, including five consecutive hundreds. His Vijay Hazare Trophy performance included a List A record of 542 runs without being dismissed. These performances led to calls for his inclusion in the national side.

Despite the impressive domestic form, Nair struggled in the Test series against England. In the three Tests he played, he managed just 131 runs in six innings at an average of 21.83, with a highest score of 40. This inconsistent performance led the team management to drop him for Sai Sudharsan for the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford.

Several factors might explain the discrepancy between Nair's domestic and international performances. The pressure of international cricket, with the scrutiny and intensity it brings, can be overwhelming for some players. Adapting to different playing conditions and facing higher quality opposition are also significant hurdles. As Sanjay Manjrekar pointed out, cricket did give Nair another chance, but he couldn't capitalize on it.

The decision to drop Nair wasn't the only selection issue during the England tour. Harshit Rana, initially selected as a cover player, was surprisingly replaced by the less experienced Anshul Kamboj, raising questions about the consistency and clarity of the team's selection policy. There were also debates about whether Kuldeep Yadav should have been included in the playing XI earlier in the series.

Nair's axing highlights the harsh realities of international cricket. While domestic form can open doors, sustaining that level of performance against top-quality international opposition is a different challenge. For some players, the transition proves too difficult, leading to disappointment and dashed hopes.

Looking ahead, Nair is set to return to Karnataka for the 2025-26 domestic season. His return aims to strengthen Karnataka's batting lineup, but he will face competition from emerging talents. Only time will tell if he can rediscover his best form and perhaps earn another shot at international cricket.