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India.com
2 days ago
- Sport
- India.com
Karun Nair Makes Emotional Comeback To Indian Test Team After 8 Years, Backed By KL Rahul Ahead Of England Series
Indian batter Karun Nair, who is making his return to the national side after eight years, opened up on his recall to the Team India and also received a special message from his ex-Karnataka teammate and close friend, KL Rahul, who will also a part of the Indian squad for England series along with him. Nair could get his first Test appearance in eight years, as India aims for a smooth transition from seniors like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin during a five-match Test series against England away from home. Nair is the only second triple centurion in Indian cricket after legendary opener Virender Sehwag. Nair's inclusion comes at a transitional phase on the back of a dream domestic season last year. The dream season for Vidarbha star concluded with the 863-run season in Ranji Trophy 2024-25, with an average of 53.93, four centuries and two fifties in 16 innings across nine matches. His best score of 135 came in the final and his team emerged victorious. During the warm-up unofficial Tests for India A against England Lions, he scored 259 runs in three innings, including a double ton. A massive highlight of his season was the Vijay Hazare Trophy one-day tournament, where he top-scored with 779 runs in nine matches and eight innings at a stunning average of 389.50 and a strike rate of 124.04, with five centuries and a fifty and best score of 163*.He played a massive role in his team's run to the finals, where they lost to his former team, Karnataka. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 competition, Nair made 255 runs in six innings, averaging 42.50 at a strike rate of 177.08, with three half-centuries and the best score of 77. His team was knocked out in the quarterfinals. Nair had last played a Test for India in March 2017 against Australia and did not get any chances as his form tapered off after a triple ton against England at Chennai in 2016. He has played six Tests overall, having made 374 runs in seven innings. Speaking about his return to the national set-up, Nair said in a video posted on Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) X handle, "Feels very special, very grateful, very fortunate to be able to get this opportunity again. Really looking forward to grabbing this opportunity with both hands. I am sure there will be a lot of feelings, ones I cannot express right now. It will be a special feeling." KL said that he has known Nair for a long time and is well aware of his time in UK, grinding it out in county cricket. "I've known him for a very long time and the months that he spent here in the UK playing cricket and how hard and how lonely it was and for him to be able to do all of that and come back into the Indian team. think it's special for him, for his family, and for friends like us who've seen his journey. So, like I said very inspiring as well and hopefully his experience and his learnings from playing county cricket here will hold him in good stead when he plays the Test matches here," said Rahul. Nair represented Northamptonshire in County Championship in 2023 and 2024 seasons, scoring 736 runs in 10 matches and 14 innings at an average of 56.61, with two centuries and four fifties and best score of 202*. The series will be held from June to August 2025, with matches scheduled at Headingley in Leeds, Edgbaston in Birmingham, Lord's and The Oval in London, and Old Trafford in Manchester. India's Test squad for England series: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.
NDTV
13-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
"How Hard, How Lonely...": KL Rahul's Emotional Message For Karun Nair On India Recall
Indian batter Karun Nair, who is making his return to the national side after eight years, opened up on his recall to the Team India and also received a special message from his ex-Karnataka teammate and close friend, KL Rahul, who will also a part of the Indian squad for England series along with him. Nair could get his first Test appearance in eight years, as India aims for a smooth transition from seniors like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin during a five-match Test series against England away from home. Nair is the only second triple centurion in Indian cricket after legendary opener Virender Sehwag. Nair's inclusion comes at a transitional phase on the back of a dream domestic season last year. The dream season for Vidarbha star concluded with the 863-run season in Ranji Trophy 2024-25, with an average of 53.93, four centuries and two fifties in 16 innings across nine matches. His best score of 135 came in the final and his team emerged victorious. During the warm-up unofficial Tests for India A against England Lions, he scored 259 runs in three innings, including a double ton. A massive highlight of his season was the Vijay Hazare Trophy one-day tournament, where he top-scored with 779 runs in nine matches and eight innings at a stunning average of 389.50 and a strike rate of 124.04, with five centuries and a fifty and best score of 163*.He played a massive role in his team's run to the finals, where they lost to his former team, Karnataka. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 competition, Nair made 255 runs in six innings, averaging 42.50 at a strike rate of 177.08, with three half-centuries and the best score of 77. His team was knocked out in the quarterfinals. Nair had last played a Test for India in March 2017 against Australia and did not get any chances as his form tapered off after a triple ton against England at Chennai in 2016. He has played six Tests overall, having made 374 runs in seven innings. Speaking about his return to the national set-up, Nair said in a video posted on Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) X handle, "Feels very special, very grateful, very fortunate to be able to get this opportunity again. Really looking forward to grabbing this opportunity with both hands. I am sure there will be a lot of feelings, ones I cannot express right now. It will be a special feeling." A comeback story with Karun Nair P.S. - A special message from KL Rahul #TeamIndia | #ENGvIND | @karun126 | @klrahul — BCCI (@BCCI) June 12, 2025 KL said that he has known Nair for a long time and is well aware of his time in UK, grinding it out in county cricket. "I've known him for a very long time and the months that he spent here in the UK playing cricket and how hard and how lonely it was and for him to be able to do all of that and come back into the Indian team. think it's special for him, for his family, and for friends like us who've seen his journey. So, like I said very inspiring as well and hopefully his experience and his learnings from playing county cricket here will hold him in good stead when he plays the Test matches here," said Rahul. Nair represented Northamptonshire in County Championship in 2023 and 2024 seasons, scoring 736 runs in 10 matches and 14 innings at an average of 56.61, with two centuries and four fifties and best score of 202*. The series will be held from June to August 2025, with matches scheduled at Headingley in Leeds, Edgbaston in Birmingham, Lord's and The Oval in London, and Old Trafford in Manchester. India's Test squad for England series: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.
Mint
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Gautam Gambhir addresses Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli voids in England, urges Shubman Gill & Co to come out of comfort zone
India head coach addressed the void created by the Test retirements of Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli in England and urged the young group led by Shubman Gill to come out of their comfort zone for success in the five-match Test series, that starts on June 20 in Headingly. The series against England embarks a new era for Indian cricket with the big three missing for the first time in Test cricket. While Ashwin called time on his international career in the middle of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Kohli and Rohit bid adieu to their red-ball career within a span a four days last month. Addressing the new-look group, Gambhir spoke about the sacrifices and commitments to do something special in England. 'Guys, all I want to say is there are two ways to look at this tour. One is we are without three of our most experienced players or we have a phenomenal opportunity to do something special for the country,' Gambhir said in a video released by the BCCI. 'When I look in this group, I think the hunger, the passion and the commitment to do something special…the sacrifices, I think if we play out of our comfort zone, if we start fighting, not everyday, but every session, every hour, every ball, I think we can have a memorable tour,' added the Indian head coach. Earlier, Gambhir welcomed the newcomers in the side in a team huddle, with a special mention for Karun Nair, who is making a comeback into the Indian team after eight long years. 'Comebacks are never easy. Someone who has made a comeback after seven (eight) years had a phenomenal last year,' Gambhir said. 'Last year, no matter the runs you have got, and most importantly, that never-die attitude, never-giving-up attitude, that is something which has got you back into the team. That is something which is inspiring for this entire world. Welcome, Karun,' he added. Nair was rewarded with a place in the India Test squad, after the Karnataka batter's exceptional domestic season. The right-hander scored 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, averaging 53.93 with four centuries and two fifties in 16 innings. Nair also scored 135 in the final, thus leading his side to the title.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
IND vs ENG: Gautam Gambhir lauds Karun Nair's 'never give up attitude'; welcomes Arshdeep Singh, Sai Sudharsan to the fold
Karun Nair during India's tour of England in 2025. (Image: Screenshot BCCI video) India's head coach Gautam Gambhir and new Test captain Shubman Gill addressed the team ahead of their five-Test series against England in the UK, scheduled to get underway on June 20. In the huddle, Gambhir particularly praised Karun Nair's comeback to the Test side after eight years and welcomed new additions to the team, marking the beginning of a new era following the retirement of senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. The series, which begins in Leeds, marks India's start in the ICC World Test Championship cycle for 2025-27. The matches will be played across five venues: Headingley in Leeds, Edgbaston in Birmingham, Lord's and The Oval in London, and Old Trafford in Manchester. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Karun Nair's return to the Test squad comes after an exceptional domestic season. He scored 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, averaging 53.93 with four centuries and two fifties in 16 innings. His performances included a crucial 135 in the final, leading his team to victory. 'Nitish Kumar is a guy who can bowl that magic ball': India bowling coach Morne Morkel In the warm-up unofficial Tests against England Lions, Nair continued his impressive form, scoring 259 runs in three innings, including a double century. Nair dominated the Vijay Hazare Trophy one-day tournament with 779 runs in nine matches at an average of 389.50, including five centuries and a fifty. He also performed well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 competition, scoring 255 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 177.08. "Comebacks are never easy. Someone who has made a comeback after seven [eight] years had a phenomenal last year. Last year, no matter the runs you have got, and most importantly, that never-die attitude, never-giving-up attitude, that is something which has got you back into the team. That is something which is inspiring for this entire world. Welcome, Karun," Gambhir said. Gambhir also welcomed Sai Sudharsan, who won the IPL Orange Cap and Emerging Player award after scoring 759 runs in 15 matches. Sudharsan has accumulated 1,957 runs in 29 first-class matches at an average of 39.93. "We will make sure you have a very successful red-ball career as well," Gambhir told Sudharsan. Indian cricket team in a huddle during a training session in London. (Image: BCCI Video Screenshot) The head coach acknowledged pacer Arshdeep Singh's white-ball achievements, including 99 T20I wickets and 14 ODI wickets. "I want to welcome Arsh, who has been phenomenal with the white ball cricket, I am sure, with the red ball in your hand, which is still there. I am sure you are going to make it count," Gambhir said. Gambhir congratulate Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant to the leadership group. He also welcomed Adrian le Roux as India's Strength and Conditioning coach. India's Test squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
'I got practical, realised I won't be able to play for India anymore': Priyank Panchal on retirement
Priyank Panchal, the former captain of Gujarat and India A, announced his retirement on Monday, bringing a close to his illustrious 17-year cricketing journey. At 35, he stands alongside domestic cricket legends like Amol Mazumdar, Padmakar Shivalkar, Rajinder Goel, and Mithun Manhas, who, despite delivering outstanding performances season after season in prestigious tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, never had the opportunity to don the Indian senior men's team jersey. Panchal finished his career with an impressive 8,856 runs in First-Class cricket, amassing 29 centuries and 34 fifties. Most notably, he captained Gujarat to their historic first Ranji Trophy triumph in the 2016-17 season and also led the team to victory in the Vijay Hazare Trophy the previous year. As Gujarat's second-highest run-scorer in FC cricket, trailing only Parthiv Patel, Panchal holds the record for the most centuries by a Gujarat player, with a remarkable tally of 23. Panchal played 127 FC matches, 97 List-A games, and 59 T20s throughout his career, and his trophy cabinet boasts a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title from the 2014-15 season. In his final domestic outing, Panchal played a stellar knock of 148 runs in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 semi-final against Kerala. Despite his heroics, heartbreak followed as Gujarat narrowly missed a spot in the final, with Kerala securing a slender first-innings lead. Hours after announcing his retirement, Panchal reflected warmly on his career, cherishing its greatest highlights. He shared fond memories of dressing room moments with cricketing icons Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid, and Ravichandran Ashwin during the 2021-22 South Africa tour, where he nearly made his Test debut as Rohit Sharma's replacement. For a long time, it was in my mind that I should retire. Because, when I started playing cricket, there was a driving force that I wanted to play for India. Along with the driving force, there was discipline and dedication. But after a point, I got practical, I didn't think that it was possible. I tried my best. I mean, I played for India A, and I played in the Ranji Trophy. But I realised it's time now. It's not going to happen anymore. I started playing cricket because my father also played cricket. I have seen him play cricket. So, he got me started in the coaching camp. He made me work really hard. He taught me the basics. He played a big role in my life. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was 15. But I had to carry on what he taught me. Along with the basics, I also had to improvise. Because there are different challenges at every stage. So, I kept learning at every stage. And I reached a level where I could even play for India. I started improving my game. Obviously, the basics came from him. Along with the basics, he always wanted me to play a Test match. He kept on teaching me how to work hard, be consistent, and use technique. He played a big role. I would say that I have learned a lot from cricket. Dedication, discipline, mindset. Whatever I do in my next career, there is a never-giving-up approach. At some point, I will feel like I have to give up. But cricket has taught me that for 17 years, there was a time when I had to give up. But no, I kept going. So, I have learnt consistency and patience. I think it will definitely help me in the next phase of my career. That season was a turning point in my career, as were the previous two seasons, in which I scored 650 runs and 550 runs, respectively. So, I had the confidence that if I can score 500 runs, I can score 600 runs. If I can score 600 runs, I can score 900-1000 runs. So, I had that confidence. I can say that it was a turning point in my career. I scored 1300 runs. After that, I achieved a lot of things. I learnt a lot of things. I did a captaincy in India A. I played for India A. I won two trophies. I was in the Indian team. So, it was a turning point. India A is important because the bowlers you play with and the team you play with are the ones who are going to play for India. I played with the likes of Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammed Siraj. I can say that 70-80 percent of the squad who are playing now are from India A. It is like an exposure tour. It is completely for exposure. The bowlers and the opponents who play there are also from the international side. So, it comes with a lot of opportunity as well as a lot of responsibility. If you perform well, you get a call from India. That's why India A is so important. Not being able to play is definitely a regret. But at the same time, it is also an achievement. If the cricketing level is from 1-10, I was there till 9. I couldn't play. Obviously, it is a regret. But sharing the dressing room with Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin was a big deal. It was a very professional environment. At the same time, it was very welcoming. It was very competitive. I learned a lot from that environment. Obviously, consistency is important. It is important to perform as a player. But it is also important to perform at the right time. In international cricket, timing is very important. If you are consistently scoring 100 after 100, but your team is not winning, that is not the right time. But even if you are scoring 30 runs but your team is winning, your contribution holds great value. That is the requirement for international cricket. I learned a lot from that. The mindset of a test cricketer is different. I would advise the youngsters to never compare your T20 game with a Test match or ODI. It is completely different. There are two different things. One has a different mindset. If you learn to have a different mindset, you can achieve anything you want to achieve in Test cricket as well as in white-ball cricket. In Test cricket, there are more chances. It is very important to leave the ball. If a youngster has a different mindset and is able to adapt, they can achieve whatever they want. It was very heartbreaking for our team, but I would say that I am happy. We were very much happy to reach the semi-final. Obviously, our aim was to play in the final and win the tournament. But we couldn't do anything about it. In the end, our batter got out after the ball got deflected off the helmet. We were going pretty much on the right track, but these things can happen.
