IND vs ENG Test series: Playing alongside Rahul and Prasidh is a very comforting factor, says Karun Nair

Karun Nair aims to solidify his Test career with support from childhood friends Rahul and Krishna in England.

On comeback trail, Karun Nair says the presence of childhood companions KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna in the Indian dressing room adds a layer of comfort as he seeks to capitalise on the chance that came his way after eight years.

The five-match Test series against England, starting in Leeds on Friday (June 20, 2025), is an opportunity for Karun to cement his place in the side, years after becoming only the second Indian batter to score a triple century in Test cricket.

"I try to keep it very simple, always think about the positive, have certain goals in mind, visualize things and have real belief in what you visualize.

"Playing alongside Rahul and Prasidh is also a very comforting factor. We've played cricket for so many years since probably we were young kids and grew up together," Karun told BCCI in a video posted on its website.

Karun and Rahul, both 33, have played age-group cricket together and have been close friends since then.

"Life has come a full circle because I went out of the team in England and now I am coming back into the team in England. It's been a while and I embrace that." He was dropped from the Indian team in 2017.

"My first thought when I woke up (after being dropped) was I want to play Test cricket, I want to play for India again. That's probably what kept me going, kept me hungry and was the driving force to train and practice everyday.