Karun Nair Returns to Test Arena With Gambhir’s Backing and Red-Hot Form

India’s Test squad has welcomed a familiar face with the return of Karun Nair, whose journey back into the national setup has been marked by resilience, grit, and sheer weight of runs. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, in a video shared by BCCI.tv, hailed Nair’s comeback as a source of inspiration for the entire team.

“Comebacks are never easy,” said Gambhir. “The amount of runs he got, the never-give-up attitude—it’s inspiring for the entire team. Welcome back, Karun Nair.”

Nair, who etched his name into history with a triple century against England in 2016, last featured in the Indian Test side in 2017. The years that followed were turbulent. Despite his historic 303 not out, he struggled to retain a spot in the playing XI and was eventually dropped from the Karnataka squad, triggering questions about his future.

However, Nair’s determination did not wane. Opting for a fresh start, he moved to Vidarbha ahead of the 2023–24 domestic season. The change bore fruit quickly. Nair ended the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy as the fourth-highest run-scorer, amassing 863 runs in 16 innings, which included four centuries.

His form didn’t dip in representative cricket either. Against the visiting England Lions, Nair shone brightly in the warm-up fixtures for India A. He smashed a double century in the first match and topped the run charts for both games combined, scoring 259 runs.

Adding to his case for selection was a strong stint in England’s County Championship Division 1, where he turned out for Northamptonshire. There, he averaged 56.61 over 14 innings, registering two centuries, including an unbeaten 202.

Nair’s recall comes at a crucial juncture for Indian cricket. With the five-Test series against England kicking off the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, India is looking to strike the right balance between experienced performers and in-form returnees. Gambhir’s support signals both trust and expectation.

Nair’s return not only adds depth to the Indian middle order but also tells a larger story, one of persistence in the face of setbacks. For a player once celebrated and then forgotten, this second chance is more than just a selection; it’s a validation.

As the series looms, all eyes will be on Karun Nair, not just to see if he can replicate past glories, but to witness how a cricketer’s resolve can script a compelling comeback.