New Delhi: After enjoying a sensational run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Vidarbha batter Karun Nair continued his purple patch in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25. In-form Nair slammed an unbeaten century on Day 1 of Vidarbha’s quarter-final clash against Tamil Nadu at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Saturday, February 08.
Nair made heads turn with his stellar show in the Vijay Hazare Trophy where he finished as the leading run-getter with a whooping 779 runs from just 8 innings at a stunning average of over 389 and a strike rate of 124.04, including 5 centuries and a solitary fifty. Nair knocked on the selectors’ doors once again as he was backed to make his India comeback after 8 years.
However, his batting heroics were not enough as Nair was not selected in India’s squad for the ongoing ODI series against England and was naturally also snubbed from the Men in Blue’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Despite being snubbed, Nair continued his prolific run in the Ranji Trophy with yet another impressive ton on Saturday.
Karun Nair continues prolific run in Ranji Trophy 2024-25
Nair scored an unbeaten ton to help Vidarbha finish with 264/6 on the board on Day 1 of their quarter-final clash against Tamil Nadu in Nagpur on Saturday. He came out to bat at number five when Vidarbha were reeling at 44/3 in the 16th over of their innings. Nair steadied the ship for Vidarbha as he combined with Dinesh Malewar (75) to share a 98-run stand for the 4th wicket.
Nair added another crucial stand of 64 runs with skipper Akshay Wadkar (24) to propel his team to 264/6 to set the stage for a strong total for them. While he was the leading run-getter in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Nair has also been in fine form for Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy with 540 runs in 11 innings at an average of 54, including 3 centuries and a solitary fifty.
Will Karun Nair get a Test recall for England tour?
While it was difficult for him to get into India’s ODI squad considering the quality and competition, Nair might be in line for a much-awaited Test recall if he can continue his prolific run in the Ranji Trophy. India lack significant experience in their middle order ahead of the all-important tour of England later this year and Karun can be a viable option if he can impress the selectors with his remarkable consistency.
Karun remains only the second Indian batter after Virender Sehwag to have scored a triple century in Test cricket. He slammed his maiden triple ton in the Chennai Test against England in 2016 but was dropped from the team after a string of poor performances in the whites. However, his resurgence in domestic cricket has put him back in contention for a spot in the Test team.
Karun Nair continued his purple patch in the Ranji Trophy as he notched up an unbeaten century against Tamil Nadu on Day 1 of Vidarbha’s quarter-final clash at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
