Karun Nair calls Duleep Trophy omission inexplicable

Veteran batter Karun Nair has publicly expressed frustration over his omission from the South Zone playing XI for the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2026 final against East Zone in Chennai. Nair, who was also left out of the semifinal against North Zone, took to social media platform X on Monday, September 7, 2026, to describe the decision as "inexplicable." He later added that "inexplicable would be an understatement." The Duleep Trophy final, taking place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, has seen East Zone post a formidable first-innings total of 708, with contributions from Ishan Kishan, who scored 270, and Kumar Kushagra, who added 101. South Zone is currently facing a significant challenge to surpass this score. South Zone's management offered explanations for Nair's absence. Head coach Vikram Verma stated that Nair left the squad on the first day of the final due to "personal and family reasons," having emailed and taken permission. However, Verma also explained Nair's exclusion from the playing XI for tactical reasons. For the semifinal against North Zone, a left-handed batter, Kodimela Himateja, was chosen to counter the opposition's left-arm spinners.