Karun Nair, the Indian batsman who played a key role in Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy triumph last season, is set to switch back to Karnataka for the upcoming domestic season. The 33-year-old secured a no-objection certificate from the Vidarbha Cricket Association, signaling his high-profile move ahead of the next Ranji campaign.
Currently part of India’s Test squad touring England, Nair’s return to the international stage marked a notable comeback after an eight-year hiatus from Test cricket. His domestic form was instrumental in earning his recall in 16 innings last season, he scored 863 runs at an impressive average of 53.93, including four centuries. His standout moment came in the final against Kerala, where he scored a match-winning hundred.
Nair also delivered a record-breaking performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, captaining Vidarbha to a runners-up finish. In just eight innings, he amassed 779 runs at a strike rate of 124.01, including five consecutive centuries. During that prolific run, he set a new List A record by scoring 542 runs without being dismissed.
Despite his domestic heroics, Nair has struggled to find consistency in the ongoing Test series in England. His scores so far—0, 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14—highlight the challenges he faces in replicating his domestic success at the international level, though he did start the tour strongly with a double century for India A against the England Lions in an unofficial Test.
Nair’s return to Karnataka brings additional depth to the team but also sparks a selection dilemma. Emerging talents such as R Smaran, who topped Karnataka’s run charts with 516 runs in ten innings, Shrijith, who marked his first-class debut with a century, and KV Aneesh, continue to make significant strides, adding competition to the squad.
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