Karun Nair says IPL performances should not be a yardstick for Test selection

Indian batter Karun Nair strongly believes that IPL performances should not be a yardstick for Test selection. Nair was able to return to the Test squad after a long wait of eight years after performing consistently in the domestic circuit. 

Nair scored 863 runs in nine matches of the Ranji Trophy at an average of 53.93. On the other hand, Nair also amassed 779 runs in nine matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy at an average of 389.50 and a strike rate of 124.04, with the help of five hundreds. Furthermore, the right-hander has the experience of playing for Kent in County Cricket.

“I honestly feel it (IPL performances) should not be a yardstick to play Test cricket. That is my honest opinion. I think it should be a mix of both. It should mainly be first-class cricket and if and when they do get a chance in the IPL, if they can replicate what they did in first-class cricket and show that they are up for the next big stage. I think then it should count.”

“It should not be that they dont play first-class cricket and only play in the IPL and make it to the Test side. It should be a mix of both because that is where the hard yards are put. You play six months in different conditions, against different teams,” Nair said on R Ashwin’s YouTube channel.

The right-hander said IPL performances surely count as players are expected to perform under pressure and against the best players in the world.

“IPL performances surely count. There are so many players coming through every year that you have to keep redefining your game to suit how that team plays. If you keep moving teams, you have to keep redefining yourself to playing a certain way. You are playing against the best players in the world. If you can do well in the IPL, you can do well anywhere in the world, I would think,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nair scored 198 runs in nine matches for Delhi Capitals at a strike rate of 172.17 in IPL 2025. The 33-year-old would look to grab his opportunity with both hands on the England tour.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.