Karun Nair’s international comeback dream may have just hit its final dead end—at least, if you ask former BCCI selector Sarandeep Singh.
Sarandeep said, “Karun Nair has failed six times in England. There is no point in giving more chances. His career is over.” That’s not a warning. That’s a full stop.
The remark comes after Nair’s forgettable performance during the India A tour of England, where he featured in the red-ball series against England Lions. The 32-year-old managed just one fifty across six innings, finishing with a total of 144 runs at an average of 24.00.
For a player trying to claw his way back into the national fold, that stat line just didn’t cut it.
Sarandeep didn’t stop there. He used the opportunity to throw his weight behind young talent Sai Sudharsan, saying, “Sai is 21 years old. He is performing. You have to look ahead.” The implication was loud and clear—Nair is the past; Sudharsan is the future.
Sai Sudharsan, who has been turning heads with his stellar run in domestic and IPL cricket, was also part of the India A squad in England. Though he had fewer chances, the selectors are reportedly impressed with his temperament and potential at just 21 years of age.
For Nair, this was a rare chance at redemption. Once the toast of Indian cricket after scoring a historic triple century (303)* against England in 2016, he was dropped after just six Test matches, with inconsistent form and fierce middle-order competition pushing him out.
The India A tour was billed as a make-or-break opportunity. Unfortunately, it now seems to have tilted heavily toward “break.”
Fans on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), had mixed reactions. Some criticized the harsh public dismissal by Sarandeep, calling it “insensitive” and “uncalled for.” Others accepted the tough love, noting that Indian cricket is packed with emerging talent, and opportunities are earned, not handed out on legacy.
Karun Nair : Dear Cricket give me one more chance.
Cricket rn: pic.twitter.com/prplGm3hct
— Abhishek (@MSDianAbhiii) July 13, 2025
I think Shreyas Iyer truly deserves spot instead of wasted opportunity Karun Nair
Feel for him😭#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/o691G6J5kQ
— Nirav Gupta (@NiravGupta9) July 13, 2025
The BCCI has not issued any official comment on Nair’s future, but the writing is on the wall. If former selectors are openly calling time, the odds of a comeback just got even longer.
Karun Nair, for his part, has not made any statement in response.