Karun Nair and KL Rahul opened up on the former’s emotional return to the Indian Test setup after more than seven years. Nair has been included in India's Test team for the forthcoming series against England, with veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring. Speaking about this chance, Nair said he was thankful, terming it a special moment in his life. He said he was grateful and blessed for the second chance and was looking forward to making the best use of it. 

Discussing the return, Nair said he couldn't put his emotions into words and that it would truly hit him only when he stepped back onto the field in Indian colors. The right-arm bowler had last played for India in a Test match in the 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. After years of grit, particularly on the county and domestic circuit, Nair is now all set to make a comeback, and the return journey has not gone unnoticed by many people, including old friend KL Rahul.

KL Rahul, who has a deep cricketing relationship with Nair, was emotional in his words. He emphasized Nair's tireless work in County cricket and how arduous the journey back to the Indian team had been. "I've known him for a very long time, and the months he spent here in the UK playing cricket and how hard and lonely it was for him to be able to do all of that and come back into the Indian team, I think it's special for him, for his family, and for friends like us, who have seen his journey," said Rahul.

A Journey of Grit and Resilience

Rahul also spoke about how uplifting Nair's return story is, not only for the fans but for his near and dear ones who have witnessed his struggles firsthand. "So, like I said, very inspiring as well, and hopefully his experience and learning from playing County cricket here will hold him in good stead when he plays Test matches here," he concluded.

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A comeback story with Karun Nair 🔝

P.S. - A special message from KL Rahul 👌#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND | @karun126 | @klrahul pic.twitter.com/PeYCsNtnxv

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 12, 2025

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With the England series to be staged in challenging conditions, Karun Nair's County tour may come in handy. As he readies himself to don the Indian whites once more, gestures of goodwill such as Rahul's reflect how much this comeback means—and not just for Nair, but for everyone who has shared his journey.