'Deserved more than one series': Karun Nair breaks silence on Ajit Agarkar’s remark

Veteran batsman Karun Nair has finally addressed BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s recent comments that seemed to close the door on his Test career. Agarkar had stated earlier this month that Nair failed to meet the team management’s expectations during the England tour, but the Karnataka batter insists he is far from giving up on his India ambitions.

On the back of a strong Ranji Trophy 2024–25 season, Nair earned a recall to the Indian Test squad following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He justified his selection with a double century in the India A tour game preceding the England series. However, his performance dipped during the main five-match contest, where he managed just 205 runs in four Tests, including a solitary half-century.

Following that, Nair was overlooked for the Duleep Trophy, the India A series against Australia A, and the Test series against the West Indies. His omission from the recent India A matches against South Africa A further indicated that the selectors were not considering him for future Test selections.

Despite these setbacks, Nair has continued to let his bat do the talking in domestic cricket. Representing Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy, he began the season with scores of 73 and 8 in the opening round before hammering an unbeaten 174 against Goa on Sunday.

Speaking after his latest innings, Nair expressed disappointment at how events had unfolded. “It is obviously disappointing. Considering how the last two years have gone, I felt I deserved more — at least more than one series,” he said. “A few players in the Indian team have had good conversations with me and shared their thoughts. Of course, opinions do get into your head, but at the end of the day, my job is to score runs and let others have their opinions.”

Reflecting on his goals ahead, Nair added: “Honestly, what target can I set next? My ultimate aim is to play for India. If that doesn’t happen, then my focus is on winning matches for the team I represent.”

Agarkar, meanwhile, had explained the selectors’ stance earlier, saying, “We expected more from him in England. He played four Tests and scored just one fifty. While we’d like to give everyone 15–20 chances, unfortunately, that’s not always possible.”

Despite the setback, Nair’s form and determination suggest he isn’t ready to stop fighting for another chance to don the India cap.