Karun Nair, the once-forgotten Indian cricketer, has reignited his career with a sensational performance in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Scoring a record-breaking 664 runs without being dismissed, including four consecutive centuries, the 33-year-old has caught the attention of the national selectors amidst India’s transitional phase in cricket.
The Turning Point: From Obscurity to Stardom
In December 2022, Nair shared an emotional plea on social media: “Dear cricket, give me one more chance.” The heartfelt tweet symbolized the struggles of a player who had faded into obscurity despite his historic triple century against England in 2016. His omission from the Indian team remained a mystery, and even his home team, Karnataka, had moved on from him.
However, Nair’s determination never wavered. Thirteen months after that plea, he has answered the critics with his bat. Representing Vidarbha, Nair has powered his team to the semifinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with scores of 112, 44, 163, 111, 112, and 122—a streak that includes five unbeaten centuries. His tally of runs is now the highest in List A cricket history without dismissal in a single tournament.
On the Selectors’ Radar
According to a report by The Indian Express, Nair is now under consideration by the national selectors, especially with India’s senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma facing challenges in Tests. Whether Nair will be included in the Champions Trophy squad or the Test tour of England in June remains uncertain, but his consistent performances have positioned him as a strong candidate for a comeback.
The Journey to Redemption
After his emotional tweet, Nair spent months training at the Just Cricket Academy in Bengaluru under coach Vijay Madyalkar. The period was grueling, with Nair traveling three hours daily for net practice despite not being part of any team. Reflecting on this time, he said:
“For six or seven months, I wasn’t playing any cricket. It was tough, but I knew I had to move on and prepare myself for another opportunity. My focus was on scoring runs consistently so there would be no excuse to drop me again.”
With no team to play for, Nair reached out to former India international and BCCI GM Abey Kuruvilla, who facilitated his move to Vidarbha. Grateful for the opportunity, Nair grabbed it with both hands, showcasing his class with the bat.
Stellar Domestic Performances
Nair’s resurgence didn’t begin with the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In his maiden County season with Northamptonshire in 2023, he made an immediate impact. He followed that up with 690 runs in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season and returned to the County circuit with a double century. His performances continued to shine in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, capped off by his phenomenal run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Eyeing a National Comeback
Determined to return to the national side, Nair remains focused on his goal. “Everyone dreams of playing for their country, and I’m no different. I would love to play Test matches again, but for that, I know I have to keep delivering consistently,” he said.
With his remarkable form and unyielding resolve, Karun Nair has reminded the cricketing world of his talent, and his story is one of perseverance and determination. Whether he dons the Indian jersey again remains to be seen, but his journey is an inspiration for many.
