As India’s batting lineup continues to crumble against South Africa’s disciplined attack in the Guwahati Test, former India batter Karun Nair has fuelled fresh discussion with a cryptic social media post hinting at his frustration over being sidelined from the national team.
Nair, who briefly returned to the Test squad for the England tour, was excluded again for the home series despite his exceptional domestic form. Taking to X, he wrote:
“Some conditions carry a feel you know by heart – and the silence of not being out there adds its own sting.”
The post quickly drew attention from fans questioning whether India missed an opportunity to bring in an experienced red-ball player during a crisis.
Nair’s Form Raises Questions About Selectors’ Call
After being dropped, Nair has produced outstanding numbers in the Ranji Trophy—scoring over 600 runs in just 5 matches for Karnataka at an average exceeding 100. Yet he wasn’t picked for the two-Test series against South Africa.
India instead experimented with Washington Sundar at No.3 in Kolkata and then handed the role to Sai Sudharsan in Guwahati. With Shubman Gill unavailable due to a neck injury, the middle-order featured Sudharsan at No.3 and Dhruv Jurel at No.4—both struggling to capitalise on opportunities.
History Adds Weight to the Debate
Fans recall that the last time India won a Test after conceding 400+ in the first innings was in 2016—powered by Karun Nair’s iconic triple century against England in Chennai. Despite that milestone, Nair received a short run during the England tour where he was shuffled between No.3 and No.6.
When asked earlier about dropping Nair for the West Indies series, chief selector Ajit Agarkar responded,
“We expected a little bit more from Karun. He played four Tests… that’s the way it is. We feel Padikkal offers a little bit more at this point.”
Middle-Order Crisis Raises Selection Questions
With India staring at a potential second straight home-series whitewash and their WTC final hopes hanging by a thread, the decision to overlook a seasoned player like Nair has sparked intense debate. In contrast, the inexperienced middle-order continues to falter under pressure.
Nair’s post, though subtle, has amplified conversations around whether India missed out on a stabilising presence during a crucial series.
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