Karun Nair is in the news these days following his comeback into the Indian Test team after a seven-year hiatus. His return marks a journey that was full of obstacles.
But Nair endured, even when he was advised by a “prominent Indian cricketer” to retire and secure his financial career with franchise leagues.
Dropped from the Indian Test squad following the tour of England in 2018, Nair spent years battling setbacks, including being overlooked by his state team Karnataka following the 2022 domestic season.
Karun shifted his base to Vidarbha before the next season. He enjoyed a dream run in the 2024/25 season and was rewarded by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.
The right-hander amassed 863 runs at an average of 53.93 in 9 Ranji Trophy matches, helping Vidarbha clinch the coveted title. He carried on his brilliant run of form to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, piling up 779 runs at an average of 389.50.
Karun, who looks set to play his first Test after more than 8 years, has now made a shocking revelation, saying that he was told to retire for money.
"I still remember a prominent Indian cricketer calling me and saying you need to retire because the money in these leagues would make me secure. It would have been easy to do, but I knew that regardless of the money, I would be kicking myself for giving up that easily," Karun said while speaking to Daily Mail.
The suggestion to focus on franchise cricket may have lured others, but for Nair, international comeback was the ultimate dream.
“I was never going to give up on playing for India again. That was just over two years ago and look where we are now. It’s crazy but deep down, I knew I was good enough,” he added.
Karun Nair further stated that he isn’t fixated on the number of matches or long-term plans. “What matters now is that I get to enjoy wearing the India cap again. Earlier, I didn’t make the most of my opportunities. This time, I want to soak it all in one match at a time,” he remarked.
Having played six Tests between 2016 and 2017, Nair has 374 runs to his name in the format—including a monumental 303 not out against England in Chennai.
