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'Can't Fit Everyone': Ajit Agarkar Explains Why Karun Nair Was Ignored For Champions Trophy

Akshita Patel

Karun Nair sidelined from India's Champions Trophy squad [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @CrazyCricDeep/X.com]Karun Nair sidelined from India's Champions Trophy squad [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @CrazyCricDeep/X.com]

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Indian senior cricket team’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that the think tank contemplated the potential inclusion of Karun Nair into the Champions Trophy 2025 squad. However, due to composition issues, the in-form batter was sidelined as India went in with a large pool of all-rounders.

Karun Nair, who initially rose to fame for scoring a triple century in Test cricket, has taken the domestic circuit by storm. In the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, the Vidarbha batter amassed 752 runs in seven innings at a staggering average of 752.00. 

He hammered five centuries and a half century to earn the attention of selectors ahead of the squad selection meeting for the Champions Trophy 2025. However, on January 18, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma unveiled a 15-member squad and the list didn’t include Karun Nair’s name.

Why did India exclude Karun Nair from Champions Trophy squad?

Ajit Agarkar addressed the issue and confirmed that Karun Nair’s name was discussed in the meeting. His staggering average was extraordinary and surreal. However, Agarkar explained that the team’s composition was such that Nair couldn’t fit in. The selection committee instead chose to opt for more all-rounders, given the conditions of UAE.

"Averaging 750+ is simply insane, but it's a squad of 15, so we can't fit everyone," said Agarkar in press conference.

Karun Nair last played an international game in 2017. He was a mainstay on the Test team but was sidelined due to inconsistency. However, his recent rise in the domestic circuit has forced the selection committee to reconsider his future.

While the opportunity to feature in Champions Trophy 2025 may have slipped out of Nair’s hands, he must perform consistently to stand a chance at a comeback in the upcoming five-game Test series against England scheduled in June this year.

Bumrah included, Siraj snubbed as India’s squad for Champions Trophy unveiled

After much delay, Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma unveiled India's 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit was named captain with Shubman Gill made his deputy. Jasprit Bumrah, reeling from a back injury, has been added to the squad but his availability is subject to fitness. 

Moreover, BCCI ignored Mohammed Siraj to pick Arshdeep Singh and Mohammad Shami instead in the pace attack. The team also features three key all-rounders in Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja.