At 33, Karun Nair has made a remarkable return to the Indian Test team, earning a spot in the playing XI for the opening Test of the five-match series against England at Headingley, Leeds, on Friday.
This marks his first Test appearance since 2017.
Nair forced his way back into contention with a commanding double century — a 204-run effort against England Lions in Canterbury earlier this month during a warm-up game. The innings was a timely reminder of the talent that once had the cricketing world sit up and take notice.
Back in 2016, Nair had etched his name into history by scoring an unbeaten 303 in just his third Test, becoming only the second Indian to register a triple century in the format. But the fairytale didn’t last long. He featured in just three more Tests before being dropped, and gradually, the prospect of an international comeback began to dim.
Things hit rock bottom in 2022 when he was dropped from Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy squad — a moment he now admits was one of the lowest points of his career.
Nair has considerable County Championship experience as well, having played for Northamptonshire in 2023 and 2024. His comeback though is built on the weight of sheer runs.
Turning out for Vidarbha in the 2024–25 domestic season, he amassed 863 runs at an average of 53.93, playing a key role in its Ranji Trophy title win. His red-ball form was preceded by a staggering run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he smashed five centuries in just eight innings and finished with an eye-popping average of 389.50.
Today, as he walks out at Headingley wearing the India cap again, Nair knows this opportunity is hard-earned. And perhaps, more than ever before, he is ready to make it count.