For Karun Nair, waking up each morning wasn’t just about routine — it was about purpose. “My first thought every day was, ‘I want to play Test cricket for India again.’ That belief kept me going,” he said in a heartfelt video shared by the BCCI ahead of the first Test against England. Nair, who last played a Test match in 2017, has spent years away from the spotlight. Yet the hunger never faded. “There were times when I was just watching everyone on TV, wondering when I’d get my chance again. So when I walked into the dressing room and saw everyone for the first time, that’s when it hit me — I’m back.”The return feels poetic. Nair was part of the squad during India’s 2018 England tour but didn’t play. Now, nearly eight years after his last Test appearance, he’s back and once again, the opponent is England. The setting may have changed, but the hunger remains the same. For Nair, it’s more than a comeback; it’s a chance to finally rewrite a chapter that remained unfinished.
He credits his mental growth for his resurgence. “I’ve become more patient and forgiving of myself. I’ve learned to enjoy the small things and stay true to who I am.”Quiz: Who’s that IPL player? Playing alongside state teammates KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna adds a layer of comfort. “We’ve grown up playing together. It’s nice to have familiar faces on this journey.” With a quiet determination, Nair signed off: “Hi, this is Karun Nair and I’m ready to go.”
