Harbhajan Singh shared his thoughts on BCCI consistently ignoring Vidarbha batter Karun Nair for the Indian team despite his ongoing purple patch. Nair has been in sensational form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, accumulating 664 runs in just six innings.

His outstanding performance with the bat includes five centuries and a strike rate of 120.07, with Nair only dismissed once. This remarkable performance has made him the tournament's leading run-scorer thus far.

Following his outstanding performances, Nair's name is once again being debated in cricketing circles, with many on social media calling for his return to international cricket.

Harbhajan Singh, a former India spinner, also spoke extensively about the batter. Nair rose to prominence after smashing a triple century against England at home in December 2016, but he only played three more Tests before being dropped.

“I'm looking at his stats. In 2024/25, he played six innings, remained not out in 5, scoring 664 and that was his average. And he's played at a strike rate of 120. And they don't pick him. It's unfair,” Harbhajan said on his official YouTube channel.

Harbhajan also questioned the selection criterion, pointing out that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are being forced to play in the Ranji Trophy due to poor form, while domestic tournament performers are not being rewarded.

Nair achieved success in first-class cricket in 2024, scoring 1,466 runs at an average of 44.42. His season had four centuries and seven fifties, with a best score of 202*. Nair also impressed in England's county cricket with Northamptonshire, scoring 487 runs in seven matches at an average of 48.70, including one century and three fifties.

"Many are selected based on just two games, some are just selected basis of the IPL. So, why are the rules different for him? People say Rohit and Virat are out of form, and you're sending them to Ranji. But those who are playing Ranji and scoring runs… why are you ignoring them? When will these guys play? They are scoring runs here. I never understood how he was dropped after a triple century. It pains me that no one talks about players like him,” he said.

Harbhajan didn't mince his words as he stated there are “different rules for different players.”

"He went to England with the team but didn't get a game. For the fifth Test, they actually flew a player from India, I think it was Hanuma Vihari, and he played the Test instead of Nair. Give me the reason for this. Does it make sense?

Different rules for different people… that shouldn't be the way. When they are scoring runs, you need to play him, right? He doesn't have tattoos, and doesn't wear fancy clothes, is that the reason you're not picking him? Does he not work hard?” asked Harbhajan.

Nair will be in action when Vidarbha takes on Maharashtra in the second semi-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Thursday.