KL Rahul cheers Karun Nair’s Test comeback: perseverance pays off in England tour

Karun Nair’s return to Test cricket after a six-year hiatus has been met with widespread acclaim, notably from teammate KL Rahul who highlighted the batter’s perseverance during the England tour.

Nair, who last appeared in a Test match in 2017 shortly after becoming only the second Indian to score a triple century, revitalized his career by joining Vidarbha for the 2023-24 season. His domestic form was impressive, finishing the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 as the fourth-highest run-scorer with 863 runs in 16 innings, including four centuries.

His experience in England also played a crucial role. Representing Northamptonshire in Division 1 of the County Championship, Nair averaged 56.61 across 14 innings with two centuries, including an unbeaten 202. This stint was praised by Rahul, who said Nair’s perseverance during county cricket was key to his comeback.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir also lauded Nair’s resilience and hunger, stating, “Comebacks are never easy.” Nair himself expressed excitement about the opportunity, saying it felt special and he was eager to seize it.

With strong performances in warm-up matches for India A, where he scored 259 runs, Nair’s experience and form are expected to bolster India’s middle order during the England tour.

This comeback story underscores the value of persistence and adaptability in professional cricket, with Nair’s journey inspiring teammates and fans alike.

KL Rahul applauded Karun Nair’s Test cricket comeback, praising his perseverance during the England tour. Nair, who last played Tests in 2017 after a triple century, revived his career with strong domestic and county performances, including 863 Ranji Trophy runs and a 202 not out in England.