January 18, 2025: Ajit Agarkar, Chairman of the Men’s Selection Committee, addressed the issue of Karun Nair’s absence from India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 during a press conference held on Saturday. Despite Nair’s outstanding performance in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, where he has amassed 752 runs at an incredible average of 752.00, including five centuries, Nair failed to secure a spot in the squad.
Agarkar acknowledged Nair’s excellent form but explained that it was challenging to find room for him in a squad already filled with established players. “Karun Nair is playing well, but it was difficult for him to get a place in this team,” Agarkar said.
Nair’s remarkable run in the domestic tournament, including a quickfire 88* in the semifinal against Maharashtra, has earned him widespread praise. Despite his form, he hasn’t played for India since March 2017, with his only major achievement being his iconic triple century in Test cricket against England in 2016.
The Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to begin on February 19 in the UAE and Pakistan, includes several star players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and others. The tournament promises to be a challenging one, with India starting their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 and their biggest match against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23.