Karun Nair questions team selection during Duleep Trophy final against East Zone
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 9:56 AM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
Karun Nair publicly expressed frustration regarding his omission from the South Zone playing XI for the Duleep Trophy final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Nair, who remained excluded from the team despite his recent century in a pre-season camp, reposted a social media comment labeling his absence as inexplicable. The selection decision gained attention after East Zone posted a first-innings total of 708 runs, featuring a 270-run performance by Ishan Kishan. Captain Tilak Varma previously characterized Nair's exclusion as a tactical choice aimed at maintaining a left-handed presence in the batting order. The South Zone squad initially dropped Kodimela Himateja for the final and replaced him with Devdutt Padikkal rather than recalling Nair to the side. The match continues with East Zone in control of the contest following their high-scoring performance.
- •Karun Nair remains out of the South Zone playing XI for the Duleep Trophy final.
- •East Zone posted 708 runs, including an individual score of 270 from Ishan Kishan.
- •Tilak Varma previously cited tactical reasons for favoring left-handed batters in the lineup.
- •Nair returned to his home state to participate in a Karnataka State Cricket Association training camp.
- •The Duleep Trophy final is currently underway at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
- 9:56 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Inexplicable': Karun Nair takes subtle dig at South Zone after being overlooked for Duleep Trophy final
"Expressing his disappointment, Karun Nair reacted strongly to his exclusion from the Duleep Trophy final, particularly considering his solid domestic performance and a recent century. The East Zone's extraordinary total of 708 runs revealed the South Zone's bowling vulnerabilities. Ishan Kishan's phenomenal 270 runs has further fueled debates about Nair's omission given the team's ongoing challenges.
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