Harbhajan Singh slams BCCI for ignoring Karun Nair despite performances

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has slammed the Indian board for not picking Karun Nair despite his consistent performances in the domestic circuit. Nair has been in sensational form as he has amassed 664 runs in six innings of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy while leading Vidarbha.

The right-hander has an astonishing average of 664 and he has batted with a strike rate of 120.07. The right-hander has scored five centuries in the 50-over domestic competition. Surprisingly, Nair was also dropped from India’s Test squad despite scoring a triple hundred against England in home conditions.

Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube Channel, “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. 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?”

Meanwhile, Karun Nair also had a good run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, scoring 255 runs in six matches at an average of 42.50 and an impressive strike rate of 177.08. The Turbanator shared his surprise that the selection parameters are different for Karun Nair.

“Many are selected on the basis of just two games, some are just selected basis 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,” said Harbhajan.

“I never understood how he was dropped after a triple century. It pains me that no one talks about players like him. 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?”

Indian selectors are expected to announce the Champions Trophy squad on January 18-19.