Indian selectors’ decision to overlook prolific domestic run-scorer Karun Nair from the Champions Trophy 2025 squad sparked a debate on social media.  

Nair had strengthened his selection claims by scoring runs at an unreal average of 389.50 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. The Vidarbha captain was dismissed only twice in the domestic 50-over tournament so far.

Out of the nine matches, Nair batted in eight innings and returned with scores of 112*, 44*, 163*, 111*, 112, 122*, 88* and 27.

When the Champions Trophy squad was picked before the VHT final, Nair’s average was 752 and even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar lauded his consistency. However, the 33-year-old failed to break into India’s squad.

In an interaction with Sports Tak, former India opener Sunil Gavaskar commented on Karun Nair’s exclusion, pointing out the reason why the latter failed to find a place in the team.

"Where should they fit him? You could have taken the spot of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. KL will perform the role of second wicketkeeper-batter for this team and his performance during 2023 World Cup was good. I don't think Indian cricket team has played much ODI cricket after that. Shreyas Iyer has also performed well in the format. That is why Karun Nair has not been picked," Gavaskar said.

"If his form during Ranji Trophy remains same, then it will be hard for Team India to not pick him during the upcoming Test tour of England," he added.

Speaking to media, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday (January 18) acknowledged that it was a tough call to leave out Karun Nair.

Agarkar also said that the Vidarbha batter was in the scheme of things when they were picking the side for the 8-team tournament.

"Yeah, it was tough. Those are really special performances. Someone who averages 700-plus. We did have a chat," Agarkar told reporters.

Agarkar went on to say that securing a place in the current team is really difficult and highlighted the consistent performers already in the lineup. However, the chairman of selectors went on to reveal that they have taken notice of Nair's performances and his name will be up for discussions if there is an injury or poor form concern.

"At the moment, finding a spot in the squad in this team is really difficult. Look at the guys who have been picked. All average well in excess of mid-40s. Unfortunately, you can't fit everyone in a squad of 15. But those performances certainly make you take notice. If there is a loss of form (for a player) or injuries, there's certainly going to be a conversation around him," Agarkar remarked.

India squad for the Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal