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Karun Nair has been in red-hot form for Vidarbha these days and has scored 752 runs in eight matches of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Karun Nair has a batting average of 752 in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. (Picture Credit: Screengrab)
Karun Nair is on fire for Vidarbha in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 33-year-old right-handed batter has scored 752 runs in seven innings of eight matches played so far and has only been dismissed once. His batting average in the tournament is 752.00, which has increased the talks of his inclusion in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad, which is expected to be announced by the BCCI selectors this week.
Karun’s unreal numbers in the premier 50-over domestic tournament make him a serious contender for a place in India’s ODI squad, but according to former Indian wicketkeeper-batter, the veteran of six Tests and two ODIs is unlikely to be picked. Kathik, who was part of the MS Dhoni-led side that won the 2013 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, has explained the reason why Nair won’t be considered for the eight-team tournament despite his red-hot form.
While speaking on the latest episode of Cricbuzz’s HeyCBwithDK show, Karthik said, “Karun Nair, it’s been unreal to see the form that you’ve been in. Even Mayank Agarwal has been in some really good form. But the beauty is, it’s coming at a stage when the Indian ODI setup is almost ready to go. There can’t be too many changes.”
“Yes, it’s very tempting to bring a Karun Nair into the setup, and I think he has earned the right to be part of the talks. But I don’t think he’ll make it to the Champions Trophy 25 squad. But if he keeps going like this, why not? A form batter like that who plays fast and spin well, he’s a gun player, and I’m very happy for him,” he added.
While Karthik has ruled out Nair’s selection in India’s white-ball side after nine years for the upcoming two series, he is confident that young opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal will be picked for the three ODIs against England as well as the Champions Trophy.
“He (Jaiswal) is rested (for England T20Is). He has had a very long tour of Australia, mentally draining for a young kid like that. He needs a break. Playing a 5-match series, a Test series is not a joke. I think they (selectors) have done the right thing. 100% he will be in the ODIs against England and the Champions Trophy. Don’t worry. He is batting brilliantly well. These 5 T20s won’t make a difference to him.”
Jaiswal, who is India’s highest-ranked batter in Tests, is yet to earn his maiden India ODI call-up.