Karun Nair on Friday will aim to make the most of a long-awaited opportunity as he returns to represent India in the opening Test of the ongoing series against England. Making his comeback after a gap of eight years, Nair last played a Test match for India in 2017. Now 33, the stylish right-hander has fought his way back into the national setup through sheer grit and consistent domestic performances.

His return was punctuated by a sensational double century against England Lions in a warm-up match last week. The well-paced knock of 204 not only stamped his authority but also served as a strong reminder of the immense talent he showcased early in his career.

Nair’s cricketing journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. In 2016, he scripted history by becoming only the second Indian to score a triple century in Test cricket, an unbeaten 303 in just his third appearance. However, that fairytale start was followed by an abrupt decline, as he featured in only three more Tests before being dropped, with no immediate route back into the side.