Karun Nair, who recently returned to the Indian Test team after a long wait, will not feature in the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025. The 33-year-old batter suffered a minor fracture on his finger during the second innings of the final Test against England at The Oval, ruling him out of Central Zone’s campaign. Nair had been a key performer for Vidarbha in recent domestic seasons, helping them win the Ranji Trophy and reach the Vijay Hazare Trophy final. His consistent domestic run eventually earned him a much-awaited recall to the Indian Test side for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England.
However, Nair struggles to make a big impact on the tour, scoring just 205 runs at an average of 25.62 across the series. Despite his underwhelming numbers, he played a solid knock of 54 at The Oval before getting struck on the finger by a rising delivery, which has now sidelined him from the Duleep Trophy.
In the final Test against England, which ended in a draw, Nair scored a vital half-century in the first innings but failed to make an impact in the second before being struck on the finger. With India and England drawing the five-match Test series 2-2, Nair’s performances were seen as a chance to revive his international career.
However, his injury has now ruled him out of the Duleep Trophy, where he was set to represent Central Zone. The tournament, scheduled to begin on August 28, is considered an important platform for players looking for national selection, and Nair’s absence will be a blow to his efforts to solidify his place in the Indian Test Squad. So far, the BCCI has announced squads for the South Zone, North Zone, and East Zone. Central Zone, which will face North East Zone in the opening match, has yet to name a replacement for Nair. His withdrawal leaves a leadership and experience void in the squad.
Read Also:- Maharaja T20 Trophy 2025
Nair is expected to return to Karnataka for recovery and rehabilitation, with several young batters making their mark in domestic cricket, his path back to the national team could become even more competitive in the coming months. The injury is a setback, but with a strong domestic track record and international experience, Nair will look to make a comeback once fit.
