IND vs ENG: Karun Nair’s Emotional Return After 2018 Snub by Kohli and Shastri
In a poignant turn of events, Karun Nair stands on the brink of a remarkable comeback to the Indian Test team, potentially ending an eight-year hiatus this Friday at Leeds. For the 33-year-old batter, this moment is more than just a return to international cricket—it’s a full-circle journey of resilience after enduring a heart-wrenching snub during India’s 2018 tour of England under captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri.
During that ill-fated tour, Nair was forced to watch all five Tests from the sidelines, despite being part of the squad. The final blow came ahead of the fifth Test when the team management and selectors opted to fly in Hanuma Vihari—who wasn’t even in the original touring party—from India, handing him a debut over Nair. The rejection shattered the Karnataka-born cricketer, whose form spiraled downward, eventually leading to his exclusion from his state team across all formats by 2022.
Reflecting on the devastating experience, Nair shared his raw emotions with Mail Sport. ‘It felt like someone had hit me into the ground, and I didn’t know where to go,’ he admitted. The isolation and helplessness drove him to an unusual coping mechanism during the tour. ‘I’ll never forget that hour when the news hit me. I didn’t know what to do or who to talk to, so I walked all the way to Oxford Street in London and started buying anything and everything,’ Nair revealed.
He recounted splurging on luxury items, including a pair of Louis Vuitton shoes, in a desperate bid to find solace. ‘I was never into expensive stuff. For me, it was always about cricket and playing for India. But at that moment, I thought, why wait for things to happen when I have no control? I needed to feel happy, even if it was temporary,’ he said. After hours of aimless shopping, Nair returned to his hotel with bags in hand, but the emptiness lingered. ‘There was still a game left, but my tour was done. Every day after that felt brutal,’ he added.
Fast forward to 2024, and Nair has scripted an inspiring comeback on English soil once again. His relentless run-scoring in domestic cricket, coupled with stellar performances during two county stints with Northamptonshire—where he amassed over 900 runs in the 2023 County Championship—has forced selectors to take notice. Nair’s domestic record speaks for itself: over 6,000 runs in First-Class cricket at an average of 48.97, including a historic triple century of 303 not out against England in 2016, making him only the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to achieve the feat in Test cricket.
Current India head coach Gautam Gambhir has also lauded Nair’s grit and determination. In a heartfelt message on BCCI TV, Gambhir said, ‘No matter the runs you’ve scored, it’s that never-say-die attitude and never-give-up spirit that has brought you back into the team. That’s truly inspiring for the entire world.’ These words resonate deeply with Nair, who has fought personal and professional lows to stand at the cusp of redemption.
As India prepares to face England in the upcoming Test, all eyes will be on whether Nair gets the nod to don the Indian jersey once more. If selected, it will not only mark the end of a long and painful wait but also serve as a testament to his unyielding passion for the game. For Karun Nair, Leeds could be the stage where past wounds are healed, and a new chapter of triumph begins.