Karun Nair blamed Ajit Agarkar for destroying his international cricket career through poor selection decisions. The 33-year-old batsman spoke out against the BCCI chief selector after getting dropped again. Nair feels he deserved more chances after his strong domestic cricket performances were shown consistently.
What Happened to Karun Nair’s Career?
Nair stayed away from international cricket for over eight long years before his comeback. He returned during the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England with high hopes finally getting a chance. Before selection, Nair hammered 863 runs averaging 53.93 in Ranji Trophy matches, brilliantly performing.
He also scored 779 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy proving his form across formats. Nair started the England tour smashing 204 runs in a practice match looking sharp. But things fell apart during the actual Test series when pressure mounted on him.
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Why Did Selectors Drop Karun Nair?
Nair managed only 205 runs across 8 innings in the England Test series disappointing everyone. Ajit Agarkar and selectors dropped him for the West Indies home series immediately after. Agarkar said they expected better performances from someone given such a golden opportunity clearly.
Karun Nair blamed Ajit Agarkar saying he got insufficient support from the selection committee throughout. Nair believes selectors should have backed him longer after eight years out of cricket. Getting dropped so quickly after one bad series crushed his confidence and morale badly.
“Obviously, it is quite disappointing. After the last two years I’ve had, I think I deserved a lot better. More than a series,” Nair said.
Karun Nair’s Emotional Response
Nair gave an interview expressing deep disappointment about his treatment by selectors and management. He questioned what his cricket ambitions should be if India doesn’t want him anymore. Karun Nair blamed Ajit Agarkar for not understanding the pressure comeback players face after gaps.
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“There are certain individuals in the [Indian] team who have had good conversations with me about how they felt. That’s about it.”
“It does get into the head. But the second thought would be to do your job, which is to score runs and let people have their opinions.”
“Honestly, what target can I have next? All I want to do is to play for the country. If you’re not able to do that, the next thing would be to try and win games for the side you are playing for.”
The batsman wanted more chances to prove himself at the international level before getting axed. His future with Team India looks uncertain now after this public criticism of Agarkar openly.
