The former India cricketer believes that if Nair performs exceptionally well in the Ranji Trophy as well, then it will be really hard for them to exclude him from the squad
Out-of-favour batter Karun Nair scored 779 runs across 8 innings at an average of 389.50 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024/25. Despite these brilliant performances, he wasn’t picked in India’s 15-member squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
There was no place in the Indian team for the 33-year-old Vidarbha captain, who even had a mind-blowing average of 752 before the final match of the domestic tournament.
Following Nair’s exclusion from the squad, legendary India cricketer pointed out why the batter failed to make the cut in the team.
“Where should they fit him? You could have taken the spot of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. KL will perform the role of second wicketkeeper-batter for this team and his performance during 2023 World Cup was good. I don’t think Indian cricket team has played much ODI cricket after that. Shreyas Iyer has also performed well in the format. That is why Karun Nair has not been picked,” Gavaskar told Sports Tak.
“If his form during Ranji Trophy remains same, then it will be hard for Team India to not pick him during the upcoming Test tour of England,” Gavaskar added.
During the press conference where the team was announced, chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained why it was tough to include Nair in the 15-member squad.
“Yeah, it is tough. Those are really special performances. I mean, someone who averages – 700-plus, 750-plus (before Vijay Hazare final). We did have a chat (about Karun),” Agarkar said.
“But at the moment, to find a spot in this team is very difficult. I mean, look at the guys who’ve been picked. All average well in excess of mid-40s. So, unfortunately, you can’t fit everyone in. It’s a squad of 15. But those performances (like Karun) certainly make you take notice,” Agarkar added.
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