Dropped Karun Nair eyes return through maiden South Africa sojourn

Nair was dropped from the Test team, making way for Rohit Sharma just four innings after he smashed an unbeaten 303 against England.

"I will have to respect the decision of the team management and selectors," Nair told Espncricinfo.

"That's the way it goes and I am just focusing on South Africa now, the India 'A' tour, looking forward to it. It is going to be a new experience for me, I have never been to South Africa, so trying to just prepare myself and do well there," said the right-hand batsman.

Nair felt he could have done more with the opportunities he got. The 25-year-old has played six Tests so far, scoring 374 runs in seven innings.

"If I look back, I got a couple of starts which I feel I could have made into substantial scores. Those two starts I got were supposed to be converted, but you know that's how it goes for a batsman, sometimes you get starts and you are not able to convert them.

"I don't think there's any point talking about it right now. I am just looking forward to the season coming up and try to do better.

"Honestly, I was fortunate enough to get to play in the XI. So I was very happy, learning new things from everyone around and playing Test cricket. I was really enjoying myself and not thinking too much about it. But the competition is very high and it's healthy competition.

"There's nothing to worry about there, I am not thinking too much, just looking forward."

Nair said he sees the South Africa tour as an opportunity to work his way back into the team. "It will be a new experience to go to South Africa for the first time, to experience those conditions and see how it is to play cricket there. It is a stepping stone to do well and get myself back into the Test team. Even looking at it that way, I am looking forward and just trying to be positive," he added.