Table of Contents
In a press conference held on January 18, 2025, Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), addressed the decision to exclude Karun Nair from India’s squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ODI series against England. Nair’s omission has sparked considerable debate among fans and cricket analysts, particularly given his remarkable performance in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Karun Nair’s impressive form
Karun Nair has been in sensational form, amassing 752 runs in just eight matches during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with an astonishing average of 752 and four centuries. His recent performances have drawn praise from cricketing legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, who hailed his achievements as “nothing short of extraordinary.”
Scoring 752 runs in 7 innings with 5 centuries is nothing short of extraordinary, @karun126. Performances like these don’t just happen, they come from immense focus and hard work. Keep going strong and make every opportunity count!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 17, 2025
Nair’s resurgence in domestic cricket had many fans and experts advocating for his inclusion in the national squad, especially considering some senior players’ inconsistent performances.
Also READ: BCCI announce India squad for England ODIs and Champions Trophy 2025, no place for Mohammed Siraj
Ajit Agarkar’s explanation
During the press conference, Agarkar acknowledged Nair’s outstanding statistics but explained that the selection committee faced tough choices when finalizing the squad. “Averaging 750-plus is simply insane, but it’s a squad of 15, so we can’t fit everyone,” Agarkar stated. He emphasized that while individual performances in domestic cricket are crucial, they must be balanced against team dynamics and the overall composition of the squad.Agarkar further elaborated that the selectors had to consider various factors, including players’ past international experience and their ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes tournaments like the Champions Trophy. “Finding a spot in this team is difficult given the talent we have,” he added.
As India prepares for their three-match ODI series against England starting on February 6, followed by their Champions Trophy campaign beginning on February 20, all eyes will be on how the selected squad performs. The team will face significant challenges as they aim to reclaim glory on an international stage, especially with high-stakes matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh lined up.
