Karun Nair, the seasoned Indian batter, disclosed that a prominent Indian cricketer once advised him to retire and secure financial stability through T20 franchise leagues. Rather than heeding this advice, Nair remained focused on reigniting his cricketing career. His perseverance in domestic cricket has now been rewarded with a place in India’s 18-player squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, which begins on 20 June at Headingley, Leeds.

“I clearly remember a famous Indian cricketer suggesting I retire, telling me that the money from these leagues would secure my future, It would have been the easy way out, but I knew I’d regret quitting so easily, no matter the financial rewards,” the 33-year-old reflected, looking back at the conversation from two years ago.

“I was never going to walk away from playing for India again. That was just over two years ago, and look where we are now, It’s incredible, but deep inside, I always believed I had the talent to make it,” he continued.

Nair’s return to the national team is a result of his strong performances across formats. Last month, he began his England tour by scoring a double century for India A in an unofficial Test match against the England Lions in Canterbury, clearly showcasing his excellent form and determination.

Nair also played for Northamptonshire in the 2023 and 2024 County Championship seasons, accumulating 736 runs across 10 matches at an average of 52.57, with a memorable double century among his highlights

In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, he continued his impressive form, leading his team in runs with 255 from six innings, averaging 42.50 and boasting a blistering strike rate of 177.08.