Karun Nair's Stellar Run in Domestic Cricket: An Unstoppable Force

Karun Nair, the Indian cricketer who became a household name after his historic 303 not out in Test cricket, has been turning heads once again with his remarkable performances in domestic cricket during the 2024-25 season. His journey from being out of the national team’s radar to becoming a topic of discussion for a potential comeback is nothing short of inspirational.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy Hero

Nair’s comeback story has been most vividly written in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier domestic 50-over competition. Here’s how he’s dominated:
 
  • Unbeaten Record: In an unprecedented run, Nair scored 664 runs without being dismissed in the tournament, setting a new world record for the most runs in List-A cricket consecutively without getting out. His scores include a series of centuries: 112*, 44*, 163*, 111*, 112*, and 122* across six innings.
  • Leadership and Impact: As the captain of Vidarbha, Nair has not only led from the front but has also been pivotal in guiding his team to the semifinals of the tournament. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed has been crucial for Vidarbha’s success.

Ranji Trophy and Other Formats

Nair’s form isn’t confined to one-day cricket; he has shown consistency across formats:

  • First-Class Cricket: Moving to Vidarbha from Karnataka, Nair has found a new lease on his domestic career. He played a significant role in Vidarbha’s journey to the Ranji Trophy semifinals, scoring 690 runs in 10 matches, including two centuries in the 2023-24 season.
  • English County Experience: Before returning to domestic Indian cricket, Nair’s stint with Northamptonshire in the English county championship in 2023 and 2024 showcased his adaptability and learning. He scored 249 runs in three matches at an average of 83, including a century against Surrey, and followed up with 487 runs in seven matches in 2024.

The IPL Comeback

His performances have not gone unnoticed in the IPL circles. Delhi Capitals picked him up for INR 50 lakh in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, recognizing his potential to be a game-changer with his experience and form. This move back to Delhi comes after stints with several IPL teams, highlighting his journey’s ups and downs.

Public and Expert Opinions

  • Support from Former Players: Robin Uthappa, among others, has publicly supported Nair’s inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, commending his form as “unstoppable.”
  • Social Media Buzz: Karun Nair’s performances have sparked discussions on platforms, with many users and analysts questioning why he isn’t back in the national setup despite his domestic success. Posts have highlighted his extraordinary average and unbeaten runs, advocating for his selection.

Karun Nair’s recent domestic performances have reignited the debate about his place in the Indian cricket team. With senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma nearing the end of their careers in red-ball cricket, there’s speculation that Nair could be a candidate for the Test team. His ambition is clear: to play Test cricket again, showcasing not just his skills but also a strong desire to contribute at the highest level.

As the cricketing season progresses, all eyes will be on Nair to see if he can carry this form into the IPL and potentially earn a recall to the Indian team. His journey serves as a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the sport. Whether or not he makes it back to international cricket, Karun Nair’s 2024-25 domestic season will be remembered as a remarkable chapter in his career.

Also Read: