Gautam Gambhir confirmed an extended run for Karun Nair, “Nobody will judge anyone with 1-2 tests
Karun Nair is fully prepared to return to India’s Test XI for the ING 1st Test in Nair Leeds. While his batting position has not been fixed yet, head coach Gautam Gambhir indicated on his return.
After returning to the India Test squad after 8 years of absence, Karun Nair may get an extended run. Nair hit a dual century for India against Lions of England, which was to warm up for the Ind vs ENG Test series in the first match. India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that he would not assess a player with one or two tests. He raised his support for Nair, which has been in the right form.
“We will not judge anyone with one or two tests. You can not. We will not. I think if someone has made a pile of run, he will be given a good run at this level too, so that he can show his talent here,” Gautam Gambhir said at the pre-departure press conference of India.
‘Hopefully, he can distribute’
Gautam Gambhir has been banking on that performance as a first series win in India since 2007. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from both tests, Nair’s experience would be important for India’s success in England.
“It is good to have Karun’s experience, who has played a bit of county cricket. They have scored there and have hit a double hundred for India. It is always good for players who are good on such tours. Their experience will definitely work, and hopefully he can distribute,” Gambhir said.
| Tournament | Inn | Run | average | Best | 50 | 100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Championship (FC) | 11 | 487 | 48.7 | 202 | 3 | 1 |
| Maharaja Trophy T20 | 12 | 560 | 56 | 124 | 5 | 1 |
| Mustak Ali Trophy T20 | 5 | 255 | 42.5 | 77 | 3 | 0 |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy (50 Ov) | 8 | 779 | 389.5 | 163 | 1 | 5 |
| Ranji Trophy (FC) | 16 | 863 | 53.94 | 135 | 2 | 4 |
Karun Nair in 2024-25 season
Karun Nair has been in a great run in domestic cricket. In fact, the 2024–25 season has been the best in his career. After an average Ranji Trophy in 2023-24, Nair traveled to the UK for the county championship, played 11 innings and scored 487 runs. Since returning from England, he turned into a run machine.
In 2024, in the Maharaja Trophy, Nair scored 560 runs in 12 innings, including five fifties and a century. Then, he turned to the Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scored 255 runs in five innings. His Vijay Hazare Trophy show made him in the headlines once again. Nair scored 779 runs in 8 innings at a huge average of 389.5. He scored five centuries and fifty runs in 8 innings. In the Ranji Trophy, he continued his good run, making Vidarbha final. Nair scored 863 runs in 16 innings on an average of 53.94.
Nair scored 89 off 40 balls for Delhi capitals against Mumbai Indians, returning to IPL. He dominated Jasprit Bumrah during his magic. When he failed to continue the form in IPL 2025, he again excelled in England, with a dual century in the four -day match against England Lions.
Gambhir believes that Nair’s return to testing side is very good for India’s domestic cricket as it rewards artists.
“It’s great for domestic cricket. It is very good for the future of domestic cricket. All the youth who are playing domestic will understand its importance: ‘If you perform well in domestic cricket, the doors are never closed,” Gambhir said.
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