Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jun 16: Karnataka cricketer Karun Nair, who is back in the Indian Test squad after an eight-year hiatus, has become the talk of the cricketing world for his gritty comeback and undying perseverance.

In a candid chat with Sports Mail, the 33-year-old batter revealed that a senior figure in Indian cricket had once advised him to consider retirement and chase lucrative T20 league contracts abroad instead. “A prominent Indian cricketer told me I should think about retiring because there was good money in T20 leagues,” Nair disclosed. “But deep down, I knew I couldn’t walk away like that—not without giving myself another shot.”

Instead of bowing out, Nair chose the hard road, grinding it out in domestic cricket. His consistency since 2022—scoring 2,839 runs in 34 first-class matches at an average of 53.57, including 10 centuries—made a strong case for his return, which selectors finally acknowledged ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series against England.

Nair, who famously struck an unbeaten 303 against England in 2016, shared that a moment last year reignited his dream. “There was a game where they played the national anthem before the match, and I felt that fire return. I could see myself in the Indian whites again. That image stayed with me.”

Now back in national colours, Nair is focused on living in the moment. “I’m not thinking long term. I just want to savour each match and make the most of every opportunity. Earlier, I didn’t. This time, I will.”