LONDON — Karun Nair, the only Indian batter besides Virender Sehwag to score a Test triple-century, hasn't worn the national jersey since 2017. But after a prolific stint with Northamptonshire in the County Championship, the 32-year-old is poised for a dramatic return to India's Test squad for the upcoming series against England.
Nair's journey back to contention has been anything but straightforward. Dropped after just six Tests despite his historic 303* against England in 2016, he spent years grinding in domestic cricket before his Northampton breakthrough. His 2023 county season saw him amass 780 runs at 55.71, including three centuries, reigniting selectors' interest. "County cricket taught me patience and how to build innings in challenging conditions," Nair told ESPNcricinfo.
The Fall After the High
Nair's Test career began with promise. Handed a debut against England in 2016, he announced himself with an unbeaten triple-ton in Chennai—only the third Indian to achieve the feat. Yet, shockingly, he played just three more Tests before being discarded. The reasons were multifaceted:
- Middle-order logjam with Pujara, Rahane, and Kohli entrenched
- A dip in form during the 2017 Australia series (57 runs in 3 Tests)
- Perceived technical issues against pace, particularly outside off-stump
Former selector MSK Prasad later admitted, "We probably didn't handle Karun's case well. After such a monumental innings, he deserved a longer rope, but team dynamics at the time made it difficult." Nair himself reflected: "I never got clarity on why I was dropped. That uncertainty was harder than the omission itself."
Rebuilding in the Shadows
The years that followed tested Nair's resolve. Despite consistent Ranji Trophy performances (averaging 49.23 since 2018), national call-ups eluded him. A brief IPL resurgence with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022 (357 runs) hinted at unfinished business, but it was his 2023 county stint that changed the narrative.
Northampton: The Turning Point
Signing with Northamptonshire as an overseas pro, Nair adapted brilliantly to English conditions. His standout performances included:
- A match-saving 150* vs. Gloucestershire on a green seamer
- Back-to-back centuries against Division One attacks
- A strike rate of 65.12—unusually brisk for county red-ball cricket
Northamptonshire coach John Sadler noted, "Karun's game against the moving ball improved dramatically. He left better, played later, and his cover drive became a weapon rather than a weakness." This technical refinement, coupled with his experience against Dukes balls, makes him an attractive option for India's England tour.
The Selection Equation
With Shreyas Iyer injured and Cheteshwar Pujara opting out of county cricket, India's middle-order needs reinforcement. Nair's case is strengthened by:
- Recent form (2 Ranji centuries in 2023-24)
- Familiarity with English conditions
- A proven track record against spin—crucial for later Tests
Former England captain Michael Vaughan observed on Twitter: "Nair's county stint reminded me of Pujara's 2018 prep before dominating our attack. India would be smart to pick him—he's earned it the hard way." The selectors seem to agree; reports suggest he's already in the provisional squad.
The Road Ahead
Should Nair return, his story would complete one of cricket's most remarkable comebacks. From being a trivia answer ("Who scored a triple-ton but played just 6 Tests?") to potentially anchoring India's middle-order in England, his perseverance stands out. As he told The Cricketer: "I never stopped believing. This game teaches you that timing matters as much as talent."
With the first Test at Trent Bridge on July 25, Nair may soon have the chance to rewrite his narrative. For a player who once disappeared after scaling Everest, the view from base camp might finally lead back to the summit.