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Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has raised concerns about the relevance of domestic cricket after Karun Nair, despite his sensational form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, was excluded from India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Representing Vidarbha, Nair dominated the tournament, amassing 779 runs in eight innings at an incredible average of 389.50 and a strike rate of 124.04, making him the leading run-scorer.

Nair’s remarkable campaign included five centuries and a fifty, which garnered widespread praise and calls for his inclusion in the 15-member Champions Trophy squad. However, the selectors decided against picking the 33-year-old. Following the snub, Harbhajan took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his discontent, stating:
“Is there a point playing Domestic cricket when you don’t pick players based on form & performance?”

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Is there a point playing Domestic cricket when you don’t pick players based on form & performance ? #KarunNair

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 18, 2025

Karun Nair, who made his Test debut for India in 2016, became only the second Indian to score a triple century, achieving the feat in just his third Test. However, inconsistent performances in his subsequent appearances saw him dropped after the England series in 2018.

Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged Nair’s outstanding performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy but highlighted the challenge of fitting him into the current squad. Agarkar mentioned that Nair would be considered as a backup in case of injuries or a loss of form among the selected players.
“Those are really special performances. We did have a chat, no doubt about it. At the moment, to find a spot in this team is very difficult. Look at the guys who have been picked. All average well in excess of mid-40s. Unfortunately, you can't fit everyone in a squad of 15,” Agarkar said.

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Despite his sensational run, Nair faltered in the tournament final, scoring just 27 off 31 balls. His team, Vidarbha, lost the summit clash to Karnataka by 36 runs, with Karnataka clinching their fifth Vijay Hazare Trophy title.

Nair’s exclusion has reignited the debate on whether domestic performances are adequately rewarded in Indian cricket.