NEW DELHI: Karun Nair is known for not mincing his words, as the ace batter had earlier expressed his disappointment after not being included for the Test series against West Indies and South Africa at home.

On Monday, Nair added fuel to the fire with a cryptic post on social media amid India's batting collapse in the first innings of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati.

"Some conditions carry a feel you know by heart - and the silence of not being out there adds its own sting," Nair wrote on X.

Nair's post appeared to subtly reference the circumstances under which he lost his Test spot, suggesting he was treated harshly after a below-par tour of England.

Earlier, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had justified Nair's exclusion by pointing out that the batter had struggled in England, managing only one half-century in four Tests. Agarkar added that while the selectors would ideally like to offer longer runs to every player, practical constraints do not always allow it.

However, Agarkar's explanation did not sit well with Nair, who hit back, saying he deserved more than a single series to prove himself and that his only job as a player is to score runs.

"Obviously, it is quite disappointing. After the last two years I've had, I think I deserved a lot better. More than a series," he said. "There are certain individuals in the [Indian] team who have had good conversations with me about how they felt. That's about it. It does get into the head. But the second thought would be to do your job, which is to score runs and let people have their opinions.

"Honestly, what target can I have next? All I want to do is to play for the country. If you're not able to do that, the next thing would be to try and win games for the side you are playing for."