Indian batter Karun Nair has spoken candidly about the emotional rollercoaster he experienced during the recently concluded Test series against England, calling it "an up-and-down series". Nair, who was recalled to the Indian Test side after an eight-year absence, made a surprising and inspiring comeback. His selection came on the back of a dominant domestic season, where he turned heads with consistent performances.

"To get that opportunity was one of the best days of my life. Just the feeling of, 'yeah, finally I've made it again'. That was the moment for me,” Nair said during an interview with ESPNCricinfo.

Nair, who struggled to convert the starts into big knocks, finished the series with 205 runs from four Tests.

"I was disappointed at not being able to convert the start at The Oval into a century. But looking back, it was quite important to grind my way on that first day with the team in a tricky position. I'd done well there previously; I'd gotten a 150 for Northants against Surrey. The nerves were there, but I was feeling good. I was hoping to convert, which I couldn’t.”

"It was an up-and-down series in that sense, and I did reflect a lot. But it's also important to let go of what has happened and look forward to what I need to do in the next few months. It's about keeping my focus levels up and making sure I go on and make big scores, irrespective of the level I'm playing at."

Nair also lauded India’s scintillating fightback at Lord’s in the third Test where they narrowly lost the match by 22 runs. 

"From that position, where we had lost so many wickets, to see the fight Nitish [Kumar Reddy] and [Mohammed] Siraj put with Jaddu [Ravindra Jadeja] was inspiring. That never-give-up attitude was on display. There was disappointment at losing the Test but everyone was inspired,” Nair said.

"Then to see Rishabh walk out to bat with a broken toe - it was one of the moments of the series. It was astonishing for everyone to see. It told you what a great player he is, and more importantly, the person he is. That kind of exemplified the philosophy of the team. Of putting everything first for the team, it's not about individuals."