Is Karun Nair Ready to Shine Again for India in Test Cricket?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karun Nair is making a comeback to the Indian Test team after eight years.
- His determination to play for India fueled his motivation.
- Nair scored a double century in the first game against England Lions.
- He had a stellar domestic season, showcasing his skills.
- Reuniting with childhood friends KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna adds to his excitement.
Leeds, June 20 (NationPress) Karun Nair, making his comeback, is eager to step onto the field and perform for India as the highly anticipated five-match Test series against England kicks off on Friday.
After an eight-year absence from the Indian Test team, Nair shared that his unwavering desire to represent the nation once more fueled his determination.
"When I woke up, my first thought was to play Test cricket again for India. That thought kept me motivated and hungry, pushing me to train daily. Maintaining that belief and having a goal to achieve was crucial. I feel privileged to don this jersey and represent my country," Nair expressed in a video released by the BCCI.
"The moment I saw everyone in the team, I truly felt that I had returned. Up until then, it was a period of anticipation for me, waiting to feel like I belonged again. After years of watching my teammates on TV, being back in this dressing room is surreal. Completing my first training session felt like a relief, and I’m grateful for this opportunity. It's a full-circle moment since I left the team in England and now I'm back here," he added.
The 33-year-old is already in form, having excelled as a key player for the India A team during two unofficial Tests against the England Lions, scoring a remarkable double hundred in the first match in Canterbury. "Life comes full circle. I exited the team in England, and now I’m rejoining it here, so I'm embracing this experience," he said.
Nair also shared his enthusiasm about reuniting with KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna, highlighting their long-standing friendship from childhood.
"I focus on simplicity, always aim for positivity, set specific goals, visualize success, and have genuine faith in my vision. Playing alongside Rahul and Prasidh is comforting; we have shared countless cricketing memories since childhood," he remarked.
Nair's return comes after an exceptional domestic season, where he scored 863 runs at an average of 53.93 for Vidarbha in their Ranji Trophy-winning run. Before that, he achieved five centuries in just eight innings at the Vijay Hazare Trophy, boasting an extraordinary average of 389.50.