'Silence of not being there...': Karun Nair rues Test snub with cryptic note as India fear yet another whitewash at home

Karun Nair rues Test snub with cryptic note as India fear yet another whitewash at home (AFP Photo)

Karun Nair expressed disappointment for not being part of Indian Test team at the ongoing home series against South Africa. The batter returned to India's squad in the red ball format during the tour of England after a long absence. However, he was soon axed when the team for the two-match series against West Indies was announced.

Nair in a cryptic post social media post shared his frustration. "Some conditions carry a feel you know by heart – and the silence of not being out there adds its own sting," he wrote on X.

Some conditions carry a feel you know by heart — and the silence of not being out there adds its own sting.

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— Karun Nair (@karun126) November 24, 2025

Nair has been performing well in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 since being dropped. He has so far amassed 602 runs in five matches at an average of 100.33 for Karnataka. Despite that he was not considered for the two home Tests against South Africa.

With Shubman Gill not available since the first innings of Kolkata Test due to a neck injury, India's batting inexperience has compounded. Sai Sudharsan at three and Dhruv Jurel at four are struggling to utilise the opportunities.

It's also interesting to note that India last prevailed after conceding over 400 runs in the first innings was against England in 2016. Then Nair scored a triple century in Chennai as he remains the second batter after Virender Sehwag to notch the feat among Indian cricketers.

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Meanwhile, Nair was only given a short rope in England, and had to constantly move between No. 3 and No. 6 in the batting order.

Ajit Agarkar, current BCCI chief selector, said that they had bigger expectations from the seasoned batter when questioned about his axing before the West Indies series. "Frankly, we expected a little bit more from Karun. He played four Tests, and you spoke about one innings. That's the way it is. We feel Padikkal offers a little bit more at this point. Wish we could give everyone 15-20 Tests," Agarkar had said.