Harbhajan questions BCCI selectors over ignoring Karun Nair. (Photo Source: Star Sports & BCCI)
The form of Karun Nair has been incredible in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he is currently averaging 664 in the seven matches he has played so far. The Vidarbha skipper is having a dream run as his team is also two wins away from winning their maiden title in India’s premier List A tournament.
There are also reports of Karun Nair being under the radar of the selectors as well and has also left some experts perplexed on why the 33-year-old batter has not been picked by the team after his incredible performances in domestic circuit. One of the experts who has spoken about Nair is former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh, who also went on to question the selectors on their process on how they had dropped a player who scored a triple century on Test debut.
“I’m looking at his stats. In 2024/25, he played six innings, remained not out in 5, scoring 664 and that was his average. And he’s played at a strike rate of 120. And they don’t pick him. It’s unfair,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
“Many are selected on the basis of just two games, some are just selected on the basis of the IPL. So, why are rules different for him? People say Rohit and Virat are out of form, and you’re sending them to Ranji. But those who are playing Ranji and scoring runs… why are you ignoring them? When will these guys play? They are scoring runs here. I never understood how he was dropped after a triple century. It pains me that no one talks about players like him,” the former world champion added.
Also Read: Reports: Karun Nair on selectors radar amid after Vijay Hazare Trophy heroics
Different rules for different players: Harbhajan
The cricketer-turned-commentator has even gone on to make a frustrated remark on the current Vidarbha captain’s selection, claiming that there are different rules for different players and bringing up Nair having simple attire and looks.
“He went to England with the team but didn’t get a game. For the fifth Test, they actually flew a player from India, I think it was Hanuma Vihari, and he played the Test instead of Nair. Give me the reason for this. Does it make sense?” said Harbhajan.
“Different rules for different people… that shouldn’t be the way. When they are scoring runs, you need to play him, right? He doesn’t have tattoos, doesn’t wear fancy clothes, is that the reason you’re not picking him? Does he not work hard?” he added.