Table of Contents
Indian batter Karun Nair, on the cusp of a remarkable Test comeback after an eight-year hiatus, has sensationally revealed that a prominent cricketer once urged him to retire from international cricket and focus solely on lucrative T20 leagues for financial security. The astonishing disclosure sheds light on the immense pressures and difficult choices faced by cricketers navigating the fringes of national selection.
“I was never going to give up on playing for India again” Karun Nair
Nair, etched in history for his monumental triple century against England in 2016, found himself on the sidelines for years despite that singular achievement and consistent domestic performances. Recounting the pivotal moment in a recent interview with Mail Sport, Nair stated, “I still remember a prominent Indian cricketer calling me and saying I should retire because the money in these leagues would make me secure.” He elaborated on the temptation: “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. 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.”
The advice came during a period of deep uncertainty for Nair, where opportunities with the national squad had all but vanished. The suggestion, as per Nair, was to forgo his aspirations for the Indian team and instead pursue high-paying contracts in overseas T20 circuits, a move that would necessitate severing ties with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) due to existing regulations. However, Nair’s unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him to resist this counsel, opting instead for arduous stints in domestic cricket and the challenging county circuit in England.
Also READ: Karun Nair’s wife – Who is Sanaya Tankariwala? The woman behind Indian batter’s success
Nair rewarded for his brilliant batting display
His unyielding determination has, against considerable odds, borne fruit. Over the past two seasons, Nair has been in formidable form, amassing 736 runs at an impressive average of 56.61 for Northamptonshire in the County Championship, a tally that includes a memorable double century against Glamorgan. His purple patch continued into the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, where he notched 863 runs at an average of 53.93, instrumental in leading Vidarbha to the coveted title. His most phenomenal display, however, came in the Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign, where he recorded an astonishing five centuries in eight innings at an eye-popping average of 389.50.
Nair’s sustained brilliance and undeniable weight of runs finally compelled the national selectors to take notice. Earlier this month, he made an undeniable statement with a commanding double hundred for India A against the England Lions, virtually cementing his place for the first Test against England at Leeds, commencing June 20th. His return to the national fold was officially confirmed last Wednesday, met with widespread appreciation. New head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded Nair’s resilience in a video shared on BCCI.tv, remarking, “No matter how many runs you have scored – what matters most is that never-say-die attitude, that never-give-up mindset. That’s what has brought you back into the team. It’s something that inspires the whole world.”
Reflecting on his arduous path, Nair conveyed profound gratitude for adhering to his convictions. “Comebacks are never easy,” he admitted. “But I always believed I was good enough to play for India again. I’m glad I stayed the course.” As Karun Nair prepares for a potential return to the Indian Test XI, his extraordinary journey serves as a powerful testament to perseverance, self-belief, and an unshakeable passion for the game in the face of daunting adversity.
Also READ: KL Rahul shares a heartfelt message for Karun Nair on his Test comeback ahead of the England series
