After years in the wilderness, Karun Nair — India’s second Test triple-centurion — has scripted one of the most inspiring comebacks in recent Indian cricket history. Cast aside by his home team Karnataka in 2022, Nair turned to intense training, a WhatsApp support group, county cricket, and a match-winning stint with Vidarbha to reclaim his place in India’s Test squad.
🔁 A Comeback Built on Grit, Not Glamour
In June 2022, the cricketing world was stunned when Karnataka left Karun Nair out of their domestic plans. For a player who once scored a legendary 303* in a Test match, it was a crushing fall. But instead of fading away, Nair quietly began working on a comeback.
He contacted his former U-25 Karnataka coach Vijayakumar Madyalkar and started training at Just Cricket Academy on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Every alternate day, Nair made the nearly 3-hour trip, facing 600 deliveries per session — honing his skills, regaining confidence, and staying motivated through a dedicated WhatsApp group with his trainer Sai Prasanna and assistant.
“He was internally broken… but we focused only on improving the batsman in him,” Madyalkar recalled.
🏴 County Stint That Changed It All
With no match opportunities in India, Nair took a leap of faith by signing up for a county stint with Northamptonshire in England. It proved to be a turning point. In just his second Division 1 game, he smashed a commanding 150 — a statement that he still belonged at the highest level.
This performance opened the door for a guest role with Vidarbha in Indian domestic cricket. It was here that Nair truly found redemption.
🏆 Vidarbha Glory and Selection Knocks
In the 2023–24 domestic season, Nair was unstoppable. He scored:
- 1553 runs in 33 innings across formats
- 883 runs in Ranji Trophy, including a century in the final vs Kerala
- 779 runs in Vijay Hazare Trophy, including five centuries
- 863 runs in nine matches (4 hundreds, 2 fifties) at 54+ average
His consistency helped Vidarbha lift the Ranji title and caught the eyes of national selectors.
“He has compelled the selectors with his performances,” said Vidarbha coach Usman Ghani.
Nair’s leadership was also recognized when he was handed the Vijay Hazare Trophy captaincy, showing his transformation not just as a batsman, but also as a mature leader.
🌍 International Call-Up and What Lies Ahead
Despite missing out on the Champions Trophy squad, Nair’s name was being whispered again in Indian cricket corridors. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Karun Nair is part of their red-ball plans moving forward.
Adding more fuel to the fire, Nair returned for a second county stint in 2024 and continued his form:
- 487 runs in 7 matches
- Average: 48.70
- Highest score: 202 (double century)*
Now, as Team India transitions under Shubman Gill and prepares for the next World Test Championship cycle, Karun Nair’s redemption arc serves as a perfect blend of experience, hunger, and resilience.
🎓 Karun Nair: Quick Bio
- Full Name: Karun Kaladharan Nair
- Born: December 6, 1991
- Role: Right-handed batsman, occasional off-break bowler
- International Debut: 2016
- Notable Record: 2nd Indian to score a triple century in Tests (303* vs England)
- IPL Team: Delhi Capitals
- Domestic Team: Vidarbha (Previously Karnataka)
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