Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has expressed his support for Karun Nair’s possible return to the Indian Test team for the upcoming England tour. The top run scorer of this year’s Vijay Hazare Trophy, Nair recently showed his exceptional form with a stunning 89 off 40 balls against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2025 as well, marking his first T20 half-century since 2018. His innings saw an amazing display of dominance against Indian ace Jasprit Bumrah, scoring 18 runs off a single over with two sixes.
Rayudu on Nair
Rayudu praised Nair for his persistence and dedication, also showing the challenges faced by players who are sidelined in India’s domestic circuit. “It’s sheer persistence because what you go through when things don’t go well for you in India is not easy to withstand. A lot of people have gone through that, and very few have come out of that with flying colours, and Karun Nair is one. Because once you get lost in the domestic system in India, it is very, very tough to make a comeback. Especially because mentally you’re always dragged down by so many things around you, and a lot of people will write you off. ” He said.
“Cricket is a game that moves on fast, but still, cricket has moved on, but Karun Nair, has not moved on. He has never left, learning, never left working hard, never, left the belief that he could make a comeback, especially in test cricket. I would sincerely hope and love that he goes to England. He’s on that flight, uh, in the test series.” Rayudu added.
Nair’s domestic glory
Nair has been in exceptional form in domestic cricket. He has played a big role in Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy triumph in the 2024-25 season, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer with 863 runs at an average of 53.93. His performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy were even more impressive, as he topped the run charts with 779 runs at an astounding average of 389.50, including five centuries.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Nair was also the highest run-scorer for his team, scoring 255 runs at an average of 42.50 and a strike rate of 177.08. His form has rekindled hopes of a return to the national side.
Path to a comeback to Indian cricket team
Karun Nair last played Test cricket for India in 2017 against Australia. Despite being part of the squad for the England tour in 2018, he did not play a match. Nair’s recent performances make him a strong contender for selection in the India A squad, set to play against the England Lions. A successful showing in these matches could pave the way for his return to the Indian Test team.
