‘I’m Still Hungry’: Karun Nair on Not Getting Enough Chances

Karun opens up about not getting enough chances in the Test XI & seeing Vihari take a place in the XI ahead of him.

File photo of Karun Nair.

(Photo: Reuters)

The only Indian other than Virender Sehwag to score a triple century in Tests, Karun Nair was left out of the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against West Indies.

The Karnataka batsman, who sat out during all five Tests in England, didn’t get a chance to prove his form in India A tournaments as well. India A played their matches during the senior team’s tour of England.

Nair has batted in only four innings post the triple century against England in 2016, recording a best score of 26. The 26-year-old played his last Test against Australia in 2017.

The Karnataka batsmen said that it is disappointing to not get picked after the four failed innings against Australia.

I played four innings probably in the Australia series, and I think any batsman could get a start and get out in two innings and could have two failures. But to be out of the team after that and not get a chance after that is just unfortunate. Obviously it is disappointing, all I can do is keep scoring at the domestic level or whichever opportunities I get and get back into the eleven.

Karun Nair to <a href="https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/104295/windies-tour-of-india-2018-no-conversation-with-management-about-lack-of-chances-karun-nair">Cricbuzz</a>

Nair opened up about how he felt when Hanuma Vihari found a place in the eleven for the final Test against England, despite joining the squad midway through the series.

It is difficult, naturally for a human being, it’s difficult to handle that situation, or to take that as a human being. But, the team management and everyone else involved make a decision, and me as a player has to accept it. There’s nothing else I can do. Like I said before that whenever I get an opportunity, I will let the bat do the talking. I can’t be saying anything else on that.

Karun Nair to <a href="https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/104295/windies-tour-of-india-2018-no-conversation-with-management-about-lack-of-chances-karun-nair">Cricbuzz</a>

Even though Nair has been on the sidelines for over a year, he said that it is not difficult to motivate himself.

For me, it’s not very difficult to motivate myself. I want to keep getting better everyday and that was the case whenever I was in the team – be it fitness, be it my batting or be it my fielding. All the time I was just trying to improve my skills. Obviously, I want to get an opportunity soon, I want to get a big score soon, I am very hungry for that and everyone knows that only two people (Indians) have got a triple hundred.

Karun Nair to <a href="https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/104295/windies-tour-of-india-2018-no-conversation-with-management-about-lack-of-chances-karun-nair">Cricbuzz</a>

Nair said that he hasn’t had any conversations with the management about why he has not been given more chances in the international stage.

I haven’t gone forth and asked anything, but yeah, we haven’t had any conversation.

Karun Nair to <a href="https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/104295/windies-tour-of-india-2018-no-conversation-with-management-about-lack-of-chances-karun-nair">Cricbuzz</a>