Karun Nair Opens Up: Dreaming of Test Cricket After Missing ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Karun Nair’s Magical Run in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Karun Nair has been in the spotlight after his incredible performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. The Vidarbha skipper scored 779 runs from just eight innings at an astonishing average of 389.50. He hit five centuries and a fifty, leading his team to the final.
However, despite his magical run with the bat, he was not selected for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar admitted that they considered Karun’s name but ultimately went with other performers.
Honest Confession After Missing Out on Champions Trophy
Speaking about his exclusion, Karun said he wasn’t even thinking about getting picked for the Champions Trophy.
“If I’m being honest, before the tournament, I wasn’t thinking about that. At least for me, it felt quite far away. But like I said, you have dreams, you have thoughts, you want to achieve things. But you’re not thinking, ‘I’m going to make it.’ You think, ‘I want to make it.’ Whether it will happen is always a question mark,” he explained.
Still Dreaming of Test Cricket
Karun still dreams of playing Test cricket for India. “I’ve said it in many interviews. So quite honestly, that was the only thing on my mind. I wasn’t even thinking that I’d be mentioned or considered for the Champions Trophy squad, so I feel really grateful for that.”
Praise from Sachin Tendulkar and Staying Focused
He also shared how receiving praise from Sachin Tendulkar felt like one of the greatest moments of his life.
“It was one of the greatest feelings ever to receive appreciation from your childhood hero. It was an amazing moment. I am really thankful to him for taking the time to put out that message. But again, I need to keep performing. Every game and every innings counts, so that remains my focus.”
Conclusion
This inspiring story of Karun Nair was covered by BBC, showcasing how determination keeps dreams alive in cricket. Despite missing out on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad, Karun’s hunger for success and his desire to play Test cricket continue to drive him forward.
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