On comeback trail, Karun Nair says the presence of childhood companions KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna within the Indian dressing room provides a layer of consolation as he seeks to capitalise on the possibility that got here his manner after eight years.
The five-match Test collection in opposition to England, beginning in Leeds on Friday (June 20, 2025), is a chance for Karun to cement his place within the facet, years after turning into solely the second Indian batter to attain a triple century in Test cricket.
“I try to keep it very simple, always think about the positive, have certain goals in mind, visualize things and have real belief in what you visualize.
“Playing alongside Rahul and Prasidh can be a really comforting issue. We’ve performed cricket for therefore a few years since most likely we had been younger children and grew up collectively,” Karun told BCCI in a video posted on its website.
Karun and Rahul, both 33, have played age-group cricket together and have been close friends since then.
“Life has come a full circle as a result of I went out of the crew in England and now I’m coming again into the crew in England. It’s been some time and I embrace that.” He was dropped from the Indian team in 2017.
“My first thought once I awoke (after being dropped) was I need to play Test cricket, I need to play for India once more. That’s most likely what saved me going, saved me hungry and was the driving power to coach and apply on a regular basis.
“I had a goal to play Test cricket again. Everyday, every morning I used to wake up thinking what should I do to reach that goal. Never losing that belief and having that target to reach was something that helped me,” he added.
In the 2024–25 home season, Karun amassed 863 runs in 9 matches at a median of 54, serving to Vidarbha clinch their third Ranji Trophy title.
The season revived his Test profession as he made his return to the Indian Test facet for the tour of England.
“Mentally I am more patient and I am more forgiving of myself. I have learnt to enjoy small things a little more and also not trying to be not someone that I am not. I have tried to keep it very simple. I always think about positives, have certain goals in mind, visualise things and have real belief,” Karun mentioned.
“Feeling honoured to wear this jersey and honour to be representing my country.” Karun mentioned the realisation of making the Indian crew once more got here to him when he met the touring group.
“When I saw everyone for the first time that time I realised I am finally in the team, till then it was a wait for me to start feeling I have made it again,” he mentioned.
“It’s been a few years, I used to watch everyone on TV and to be back again in this dressing room feels amazing.” “I enjoy the feeling with everyone, enjoy the feeling of wearing this jersey, just going out there and having fun with everyone in the group and trying our best to win games for our country.”
Published – June 20, 2025 12:07 pm IST
