Karun Nair made an international comeback after an eight-year absence during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which was contested between India and England in the United Kingdom. He played four out of the five Tests and scored just 205 runs at an average of 25.62. The right-handed batter got chances at different places in the batting order but failed to make a mark. However, he did get a half-century in the first innings of the fifth Test at the Kennington Oval, a match which the tourists won by six
runs to level the series 2-2.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced India's squad for the upcoming two-match home Test series against the West Indies. Nair, who recently returned to Karnataka after spending two seasons at Vidarbha, was among the notable absentees. Speaking about Nair's omission, Agarkar said that the selectors and team management wanted more from him on the England tour.
"Frankly, we expected a little more from Karun. He played four Tests, and you spoke about one innings. That's the way it is. We feel Padikkal offers a little more at this point. Wish we could give everyone 15-20 Tests," Agarkar said in the press conference.
Nair, however, admitted that he was surprised not to find his name in the squad. He highlighted that in the first innings of the Oval Test, he top-scored for India and contributed to the team's win.
"Yes, I did expect the selection. I don't know what to say. No words. I don't have many comments to make. It's very difficult for me to answer," he told the Times of India.
"You should probably ask the selectors what they are thinking. The only thing is, in the last Test match, I scored a fifty when no one else managed in the first innings. So, yeah, I thought I contributed to the team, especially in the last game that we won. But, yeah, it is what it is. Those things don't matter," he added.
The first Test between India and the West Indies is set to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from October 2. Meanwhile, the second Test is scheduled to be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi between October 10 to October 14.
