Karun Nair responds to Agarkar statement's on Champions Trophy snub
What's the story
Vidarbha's top-order batter Karun Nair has reacted to an explanation by the national selector Ajit Agarkar regarding his exclusion from the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy squad.
The decision came despite Nair's stellar performance in the 2024-25 domestic season.
Notably, the cricketer scored a stunning 779 runs in just eight Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) matches and was instrumental in Vidarbha's progression to the Ranji Trophy semi-finals.
Selection rationale
Agarkar's justification for Nair's exclusion from national squad
In a press conference, Agarkar had spoken about Nair's exclusion from the national squad before India's ODI series against England.
He said, "At the moment, finding a spot in this squad is really difficult. Look at the guys who have been picked. All average well in excess of mid-40s."
He added, "Unfortunately, you can't fit everyone in a squad of 15. But those performances certainly make you take notice."
Player's response
Nair appreciates Agarkar's transparency on selection process
In an interview with RevSportz after Vidharbha's semi-final berth, Nair said he appreciated Agarkar's transparent communication about the selection process.
He said, "It was good to see that a clear statement was given, and I think he made it very clear that, you know, what their thinking was."
"For me at least, it is just about focusing on the next match and focusing on winning the Ranji Trophy at the moment, Nair added.
Career goals
Nair's consistent performance and aspirations for national team return
Nair, who last played for India in 2017, has been consistent over the last year. He said his ultimate aim is to return to the Indian team.
"I have been batting the same way for the past 16-18 months. It was just about replicating whatever I was doing well, which I was fortunate enough to do over a consistent period," he said, adding his dedication and hard work over the years are the reasons behind his form in domestic cricket.
Numbers
Stellar form in the 2024-25 VHT and Ranji Trophy tournaments
In the recently concluded VHT, Nair led his team to the final but eventually lost to Karnataka by 36 runs.
As mentioned, the batter amassed 791 runs (eight outings) at 38.9 and a strike rate of 124.04.
He also smashed five impressive tons and one fifty, with a high score of 163.
Meanwhile, in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, he has racked up 591 runs, (AVG: 49.25) in 12 innings.
He owns three tons and one fifty, (HS: 123).
Stats
Nair's overall FC and List A numbers
With his brilliant ton in the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals, Nair has now raced to 7,939 runs at an average of 48.70 across 112 FC matches, (179 innings).
He also owns 22 tons and 35 fifties, including a high score of 328.
According to ESPNcricinfo, he has racked up 3,128 runs in 107 List A matches, (97 innings).
He boasts an average of 41.15 and a strike rate of 89.24, alongside eight hundreds and 14 fifties.