&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Karun Nair returns to Team India after 8 years, sets new WORLD record for most matches missed")
Team India began the Test series against England in style, ending day one of the first Test at 359/3. It was a dominant show by the Indian batters, with young skipper Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant impressing everyone. India’s strong start was accompanied by significant contributions by Yashasvi Jaiswal, playing his maiden Test in England, who hit a fine century (101). Captain Gill also rose to the occasion, scoring a century on his debut match as skipper.
Also Read | IND vs ENG, 1st Test: Shubman Gill to be fined for wearing THIS in Headingley? Here's what we know
While the focus was on India’s top order, another big story that unfolded was Karun Nair’s return to the Indian Test team after a long wait of eight years. And with this comeback, Karun has now set a new record for missing the most consecutive international matches for a men’s team between two appearances.
Here’s a look at the top five players with the longest gaps between international matches:
- Karun Nair (India)
- Last played: March 2017 vs Australia, Dharamshala
- Matches missed: 402
- Comeback: June 2025 vs England, Headingley
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2. Rayad Emrit (West Indies)
- Last played: January 2007 vs India, Vadodara
- Matches missed: 396
- Comeback: January 2018 vs Pakistan, Karachi
3. Joe Denly (England)
- Last played: February 2010 vs Pakistan, Dubai
- Matches missed: 384
- Comeback: October 2018 vs Sri Lanka, Colombo
4. Floyd Reifer (West Indies)
- Last played: February 1999 vs South Africa, Centurion
- Matches missed: 380
- Comeback: July 2009 vs Bangladesh, St. George
5. Mahela Udawatte (Sri Lanka)
- Last played: September 2009 vs Pakistan, Colombo
- Matches missed: 374
- Comeback: October 2017 vs Pakistan, Lahore
Karun Nair’s comeback is a reminder of patience and perseverance in cricket. After scoring a triple century in 2016, Karun faded away from the team contention, but now he has a golden chance to make it count.
