Karun Nair’s Emotional Comeback: ‘I’m Ready to Fight for India Again’ Ahead of IND vs ENG 1st Test
In the world of cricket, few stories tug at the heartstrings like a comeback. For Karun Nair, the journey back to the Indian Test squad is not just a return to form—it’s a testament to grit, patience, and an unyielding dream. Ahead of the highly anticipated India vs England 1st Test in 2024, Nair shared a raw and emotional revelation in a video released by the BCCI, declaring with quiet resolve, ‘I’m ready to go.’
Nair’s story is one of perseverance. His last Test appearance for India came way back in 2017, when he etched his name in history with a stunning triple century (303 not out) against England in Chennai—the second Indian to achieve the feat after Virender Sehwag. However, despite the monumental performance, opportunities dried up. For nearly eight years, Nair found himself on the sidelines, watching his peers don the Indian jersey while he toiled in domestic cricket, waiting for his moment. ‘My first thought every morning was, I want to play Test cricket for India again. That belief kept me going,’ he confessed.
The road back wasn’t easy. Nair admitted to moments of self-doubt, staring at the television screen during India’s matches, wondering if his chance would ever come. ‘There were times I’d just watch everyone play and think, when will I get my turn?’ he recalled. Yet, when he finally walked into the dressing room for this series, the emotion hit hard. ‘Seeing everyone for the first time after so long, that’s when it sank in—I’m back,’ he said with a smile that spoke volumes.
The irony isn’t lost on anyone that Nair’s comeback opponent is once again England. He was part of the squad during India’s 2018 tour of England but didn’t get a game. Now, as fate would have it, he stands on the cusp of a potential return against the same team that witnessed his historic triple ton. With the Hyderabad Test set to kick off on January 25, 2024, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, the stage couldn’t be more poetic for Nair to rewrite his unfinished chapter.
What’s changed since 2017? According to Nair, it’s his mindset. ‘I’ve become more patient and forgiving of myself. I’ve learned to enjoy the small things and stay true to who I am,’ he reflected. This mental growth, coupled with consistent performances in domestic cricket—where he has been a standout for Vidarbha—has brought him back into the selectors’ radar. His recent form in the Ranji Trophy, coupled with an impressive stint in the County Championship with Northamptonshire, where he scored over 600 runs at an average of 48.69 in 2023, underlines his readiness.
Adding to his comfort is the presence of familiar faces in the squad. Nair spoke warmly of sharing the dressing room with Karnataka teammates KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna. ‘We’ve grown up playing together. It’s nice to have familiar faces on this journey,’ he said. Their camaraderie could well be the support system Nair needs as he navigates the pressure of international cricket after such a long hiatus.
As India prepares to face a formidable England side, led by Ben Stokes and boasting a spin-heavy attack tailored for Indian conditions, Nair’s potential inclusion could add a fresh dimension to the middle order. Whether he gets the nod over more established names remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Karun Nair is hungrier than ever. ‘Hi, this is Karun Nair, and I’m ready to go,’ he signed off in the BCCI video, a statement that carries the weight of years of struggle and the promise of redemption.
For fans, Nair’s story is a reminder of the beauty of cricket—a game where talent, timing, and tenacity can converge to create moments of magic. Will 2024 be the year Karun Nair reclaims his spot in India’s Test legacy? Only time will tell, but for now, the comeback kid is ready to fight.