'Is there a point playing domestic cricket?': Harbhajan Singh slams BCCI over Karun Nair Champions Trophy snub

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has voiced his disappointment over the management's choice to leave Karun Nair out of the squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The announcement of India's 15-man squad was made by captain Rohit Sharma and chairman of the selection committee Ajit Agarkar during a press conference at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

With a total of 779 runs in eight games, Nair became the season's top run scorer thanks to his impressive performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final, where he scored 27 runs against Karnataka. Harbhajan highlighted worries about the significance of doing well in domestic cricket if worthy individuals are ignored at the national level, and he chastised the selectors for failing to recognise Nair despite this accomplishment.

"Is there a point playing Domestic cricket when you don't pick players based on form & performance?," Harbhajan posted on X.

During the press conference, Agarkar recognized the challenge of fitting Karun into a 15-member squad under the current circumstances.

"Yeah, it is tough. Those are really special performances. I mean, someone who averages - 700-plus, 750-plus. We did have a chat (about Karun)," Agarkar explained.

"But at the moment, to find a spot in this team is very difficult. I mean, look at the guys who've been picked. All average well in excess of mid-40s. So, unfortunately, you can't fit everyone in. It's a squad of 15. But those performances (like Karun) certainly make you take notice," he added.

Karun Nair, who last played for India in March 2017, is notable for being the only Indian Test player to score a triple century since the iconic opener Virender Sehwag. Since his debut in 2016, Nair has participated in six Tests for India, accumulating 374 runs in seven innings at an impressive average of 62.33, with a top score of 303*. In addition to his Test career, Nair has also played in two ODIs, where he scored a total of 46 runs, with a highest score of 39.

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