'Finding a spot in this team is difficult' - Ajit Agarkar on Karun Nair's absence in India's Champions Trophy squad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Saturday, January 18. While the 15-member squad consists of some big names, the exclusion of certain players, including Karun Nair, became an instant talking point. Nair, who has been in the form of his life in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, was overlooked despite his remarkable performances in domestic cricket.

Nair has enjoyed a sensational run this season, captaining Vidarbha and scoring a staggering 752 runs in just seven innings at an average of 752. His tally includes five centuries, with a highest score of 163*, and a strike rate of 125.96. He has been the key reason behind Vidarbha's run into the tournament final, where they are facing Karnataka.

Despite his extraordinary domestic numbers, Nair’s name was missing from the Champions Trophy squad, a decision that chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended, suggesting that the incumbent members leave no room for selection.

"We had a chat about Karun Nair. But it’s difficult to fit in everyone in this squad. If there’s an injury, there could be a discussion around him," Agarkar said. 

Nair breakthrough moment came when he became only the second Indian to score a triple century in Test cricket, with an unbeaten 303 against England in 2016. However, he found himself sidelined after just six Tests and two ODIs, with his last international appearance dating back to 2017.

The chief selector while answering the question, mentioned that while Nair has been doing very well in domestic cricket, at the current moment, looking at the balance and the bench strength of Indian team, the Vidarbha skipper couldn't find a place.

"Someone averages 700+, those are special performances. At the moment, finding a spot in this team is difficult," Agarkar added.

Also Read: 'Performances like these don’t just happen' - Sachin Tendulkar hails Karun Nair

Many experts and former cricketers including legend Sachin Tendulkar were among those who applauded Nair’s performances. “Scoring 752 runs in 7 innings with 5 centuries is nothing short of extraordinary, @karun126. Performances like these don’t just happen, they come from immense focus and hard work. Keep going strong and make every opportunity count!,” Sachin wrote in his ‘X’ post.