Vidarbha's run-machine Karun Nair is in form of his life as he is going berserk in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-2025, India's domestic 50-over tournament. Vidarbha's captain Karun Nair boasts a stunning average of 752 in the competition riding on five centuries, having been dismissed only once so far. His back-to-back batting exploits has sparked speculation about his his potential inclusion in India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad with just few days to the marquee tournament.
Karun Nair won't be included in India's Champions Trophy squad: Dinesh Karthik
However, former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik believes that the squad for the Champions Trophy is largely finalised. While acknowledging Nair's exceptional form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Karthik expressed his admiration for the batter's performance. Despite this, he feels that the Indian ODI squad is currently well-equipped and unlikely to undergo any changes, suggesting that Karun Nair's inclusion in Champions Trophy squad might not be on the cards.
“Karun Nair, it’s been unreal to see the form that you’ve been in. Even Mayank Agarwal has been in some really good form. But the beauty is, it’s coming at a stage when the Indian ODI setup is almost ready to go. There can’t be too many changes,” Karthik told Cricbuzz.
Karthik also admitted that Nair's exceptional form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has undoubtedly caught the attention of the national selectors and prompted serious consideration for his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad. While Karthik believes the squad is largely settled, he doesn't entirely dismiss the possibility of Nair's inclusion, given his exceptional ability to play both pace and spin effectively.
“Yes, it’s very tempting to bring a Karun Nair into the setup, and I think he has earned the right to be part of the talks. But I don’t think he’ll make it to the Champions Trophy squad. But if he keeps going like this, why not? A form batter like that who plays fast and spin well, he’s a gun player, and I’m very happy for him," Karthik concluded.
Karun Nair runs riot with bat in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Nair, in seven innings, he has amassed 752 runs at an astonishing average of 752 and a stunning strike rate of 125.96 riding on five centuries across eight matches. Nair's lowest score of the season is a commendable 44 not out against Chhattisgarh. His recent 88 off just 44 balls in the semi-final against Maharashtra was a masterclass, which catapulted Vidarbha into the final where they will face Nair's former domestic side, Karnataka.
Meanwhile, India is yet to announced their squad for ODI series against England and Champions Trophy 2025. BCCI is expected to take a final call on India's squad in a meeting on January 18-19.
India will kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on February 19 Dubai which will be followed by a high-octane clash against their arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23. They will then lock horns with New Zealand on March 2.