India Tour of England: 'Comebacks are never easy' - Gautam Gambhir welcomes Karun Nair
Nair was welcomed back emphatically by coach Gautam Gambhir to the Test squad
Karun Nair has made a remarkable comeback to the Indian cricket team after eight years, following his impressive double hundred for India A against England Lions in an unofficial Test.
The Test specialist joined the senior team in Beckenham on June 13, ahead of the upcoming marquee Test series against England.
Nair expressed his gratitude for the second opportunity to represent India in Test cricket.
"Feels really special. Very grateful and fortunate to be able to get this opportunity again. Looking forward to grabbing this opportunity with both hands," said Nair.
Head coach
Gautam Gambhir
welcomed India's second Test triple centurion during the first team huddle with the Test specialists from the 'A' camp.
"Comebacks are never easy. The amount of runs you've got, the never-give-up attitude — it's inspiring for the entire team. Welcome back, Karun Nair," Gambhir said.
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KL Rahul, who has played alongside Nair since their under-14 days, spoke about his teammate's perseverance during challenging times.
'Nitish Kumar is a guy who can bowl that magic ball': India bowling coach Morne Morkel
"I've known him for a very long time. The months he has spent here in the UK playing cricket and how hard and how lonely it was.
For him to be able to do all of that and come back into the Indian team is special for him and his family, and friends like us who've seen his journey," said Rahul. Rahul further emphasized the inspirational aspect of Nair's return and his experience in County cricket.
"It's very inspiring as well. Hopefully his experience and learnings from County cricket here will hold him in good stead when he plays the Test matches," Rahul added.
Nair described his return to the Indian dressing room as surreal.
"I'll have to experience that feeling myself, just go out there and feel it for myself. I'm sure there'll be a lot of feelings, ones that I can't express right now. It'll be a surreal feeling," Nair said.
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