Why was Karun Nair not picked in India's Champions Trophy squad despite Vijay Hazare heroics? Ajit Agarkar explains

Karun Nair, a talented batsman who has been in outstanding form for Vidarbha in the recent edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, was not included in India's 15-man Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Despite his strong results, Nair was passed over by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.

Nair has been a star performer in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, leading the run-scoring statistics with an astounding 752 runs in just 8 matches, with an incredible average of 752 without being dismissed. His five centuries during the event demonstrate his outstanding form and consistency.

Given his outstanding performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, many expected Nair to make a well-deserved comeback to the Indian squad after an 8-year absence. However, the selection committee believed that other batters on the squad were more deserving of a spot. Agarkar congratulated Nair for his impressive numbers, but emphasised that the selected batters had earned their places in the squad.

“Averaging 750+ is simply insane, Performances like his don’t happen often. However, with only 15 spots available, we can’t fit everyone,” Agarkar said about Nair at the press conference after announcing India’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. “It was difficult to find a place and all those who have been picked have averaged in mid-40s,” he added.

Karun Nair last appeared for India in March 2017, becoming only the second Indian batsman to make a triple century in Test cricket, after the great Virender Sehwag. His stunning 303-run effort against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai cemented his position in cricket history. Unfortunately, a succession of poor performances in subsequent matches led to his departure from the Test team.

Looking ahead to the Champions Trophy 2025, India has assembled a formidable batting group by retaining key players from the 2023 ODI World Cup. Young star Yashasvi Jaiswal has got his maiden ODI call-up for the competition, and Shubman Gill is expected to open with skipper Rohit Sharma. The ever-dependable Virat Kohli will take his usual number three place, with Shreyas Iyer expected to follow at number four.

The selection problem is to decide between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul for the wicket-keeper batsman position, which adds an intriguing twist to India's squad. The acquisition of all-rounders Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar will improve India's batting strength, depth, and flexibility.

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