Karun Nair Turns Up Heat on Ajit Agarkar After Selection Snub: "I Deserved Better"

Veteran Indian batter Karun Nair has once again expressed his frustration over being dropped from the national Test squad, openly criticizing the BCCI selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar. Speaking on the sidelines of Karnataka's Ranji Trophy match against Goa on Sunday, the 33-year-old made it clear that he felt let down after his recall to the Indian team ended abruptly following just one series.

"Obviously, it is quite disappointing. After the last two years I've had, I think I deserved a lot better. More than a series," Nair said, his voice tinged with disappointment and defiance.

The Recall That Promised So Much

Karun Nair's return to the Indian Test team after more than eight years was one of the most heartwarming comeback stories in recent Indian cricket. His extraordinary domestic form—1,533 runs across two Ranji Trophy seasons with an average that evoked comparisons to Don Bradman—forced the selectors to take notice. He was rewarded with a spot in the squad for India's five-match Test series against England earlier this year.

Nair had been instrumental in Vidarbha's Ranji Trophy triumph and looked in sensational touch during the tour match against England Lions, smashing an unbeaten 204 in Canterbury. Expectations were sky-high.

However, the England series didn't go as planned. Nair managed just 205 runs in eight innings at an average of 25.62, with only one half-century to his name—a crucial 57 in the final Test at The Oval that helped India secure a series-leveling victory.

Dropped Without Explanation

Despite his contribution in the deciding Test, Nair was axed from the squad for the subsequent West Indies series. He was also overlooked for the India A series against South Africa A, signaling that the selectors had moved on.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the decision at the time, saying: "We expected more from him. He played four Tests, but we've spoken about just one innings. It is the way it is. We wish we could give everyone 15 or 20 Tests, but it doesn't work that way."

Nair didn't take the snub lightly. He pointed out that in the final Test at The Oval, he scored a fifty when no one else in the top order managed to do so in the first innings—a knock that proved pivotal in India's victory.

"The only thing is, in the last Test match, I scored a fifty when no one else managed in the first innings. So, yeah, I thought I contributed to the team, especially in the last game that we won. But, yeah, it is what it is. Those things don't matter," he had said immediately after being dropped.

"I Deserved More Than a Series"

Now, weeks later, Nair has doubled down on his criticism. Speaking candidly, he said: "There are certain individuals in the [Indian] team who have had good conversations with me about how they felt. That's about it. It does get into the head. But the second thought would be to do your job, which is to score runs and let people have their opinions."

When asked about his future goals, Nair made it clear that he hasn't given up on his international dream.

"Honestly, what target can I have next? All I want to do is to play for the country. If you're not able to do that, the next thing would be to try and win games for the side you are playing for."

Strong Response on the Field

Nair has let his bat do the talking since being dropped. In Karnataka's recent Ranji Trophy match, he scored an unbeaten 174, sending a strong message to the selectors. His domestic form remains impeccable, and many in the cricket fraternity believe he deserved a longer rope at the international level.

The Debate Continues

Nair's case has reignited debates about India's selection policies, particularly the lack of patience shown to players who deliver consistently in domestic cricket. While Agarkar and the selection panel argue that international opportunities are limited and performance must be immediate, critics feel that Nair—who has a Test triple-century to his name—deserved more than just four matches to prove himself after an eight-year absence.

For now, Karun Nair continues to pile on runs in domestic cricket, hoping that one day, the selectors will give him another chance to wear the India jersey.