Karun Nair Reflects on Prophetic Quip as He Dominates Vijay Hazare Trophy Run Charts

In September 2024, Karun Nair laughed off a comment made during a podcast with his former Karnataka teammate Robin Uthappa. Uthappa had asked what more Nair needed to do to get noticed by selectors.

At the time, Nair had just completed a stint with Northamptonshire in England, amassing 487 runs in 11 innings, including a stellar 202 not out.

Despite his impressive performance, he was overlooked for the season-opening Duleep Trophy, leaving him disheartened.

“Funnily enough, I said I think I need to score a hundred in every single innings to kind of get noticed,” Nair recalled with a laugh in a recent chat with ESPNcricinfo.

Fast forward to the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, and Nair has done just that. With scores of 122*, 112, 111*, 163*, 44*, and 112*, he has emerged as the leading run-scorer. Remarkably, he set a new List A record by scoring 542 runs without being dismissed, surpassing New Zealand’s James Franklin.

The Dark Days: A Struggle for Opportunities

Nair’s journey back to form has not been without struggles. Once celebrated as India’s second triple-centurion in Test cricket, he faced a steep decline.

Over time, he fell out of favor with both the national selectors and his state team, Karnataka. After a year without a team, his comeback began at the DY Patil tournament in 2023.

A conversation with former India pacer Abey Kuruvilla during the tournament opened the door to Vidarbha, where he found his new cricketing home.

Nair’s initial stint in minor county cricket with Burbage & ER Cricket Club in East Wiltshire marked a step down but provided him with valuable match practice.

Reflecting on this challenging period, Nair said, “I’m amazed at the results that are coming about currently. But I’m focused on cherishing each moment and being present in that particular game.”

Dominance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy

Nair’s resurgence has been marked by extraordinary performances in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Leading Vidarbha with the bat and as captain, he has scored 664 runs in six innings, averaging an astounding 664 due to being dismissed only once. His five centuries and a strike rate of 120.07 underline his dominance.

“I’ve made sure that every single innings I’ve played is the most important moment in my career,” Nair explained.

He attributed his success to a thoughtful approach over the past year, focusing on staying at the crease until the team’s goals are met.

A New Chapter with Vidarbha

Joining Vidarbha in 2023-24 after his minor county stint marked a turning point for Nair. The move came after a disheartening phase when he was overlooked despite scoring 690 runs in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy.

His performances had helped Vidarbha reach the finals, yet he failed to make the Duleep Trophy squad. These experiences fueled his determination to succeed.

Nair’s rapport with Kuruvilla, who had been an Under-19 selector during Nair’s early days, proved crucial.

Vidarbha’s faith in him paid off, as he delivered consistently across formats, including topping the charts in the Maharaja T20 Trophy and performing admirably in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Rediscovering Form and Focus

Nair’s return to the IPL with the Delhi Capitals after going unsold in 2023 is another testament to his hard work. Reflecting on his journey, he likened it to seeing light at the end of a dark tunnel. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” he said, describing the renewed sense of purpose in his game.

Despite his phenomenal run, Nair remains grounded, focusing on winning games for Vidarbha rather than dwelling on national selection.

“I’m only thinking about one game at a time. Quite honestly, I don’t know how close I am [to being in contention for the national team],” he admitted.

Looking Ahead: A Possible India Comeback?

As India gears up for a tour of England, Nair’s extensive experience in county cricket and domestic tournaments could make him a contender for selection.

While he chuckles at the idea of a comeback seven years after being dropped, he remains focused on the present.

“I’m only trying to shift my focus on winning games for my team and performing along the way,” Nair said. With his rediscovered form and confidence, he is poised to continue making headlines.