Karnataka batsman Karun Nair has given a strong statement to the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa at home. The right-handed batsman scored a century during the Ranji Trophy 2025 match against Goa on day two (Sunday, October 26) in Shimoga.
Nair was dropped from the squad for the two-match Test series against the West Indies, which ended with a 2–0 win. After the disappointing performance against England, the experienced batsman could not retain his place in the team. Despite constant changes in the middle order, he could not make an impact.
Karun Nair sent a strong message to Ajit Agarkar before the South Africa Test series.
When Karun Nair came to the crease, Karnataka found themselves in a delicate position at 65/4. Arjun Tendulkar put the home team under pressure with early successes. The situation worsened as Karnataka slipped to 128/5, with Tendulkar taking the third wicket.
Nair showed immense restraint and flexibility. He took the innings forward with a brilliant century and reached the three-figure mark on the morning of the second day. This was his 25th century in first-class cricket and proved crucial in getting Karnataka out of trouble.
None of the other top five could go beyond 30 runs and three of them were out on single-digit scores. Nair was unbeaten on 86 at the end of the first day and he continued his disciplined approach on the second day as well.
Karun Nair completes 8,850 runs in first-class cricket
Karun Nair, playing his 122nd first-class match, scored 8,850 runs at an average of around 49. He has scored 25 centuries and 38 half-centuries in first-class cricket.
In the Ranji Trophy, Nair has scored over 5,270 runs in 72 matches at an average of 47.90, including 18 centuries and 19 fifties.
Earlier this year, Nair returned to the Indian Test team for the series against England after almost seven years away. He appeared in four matches, registering just one half-century in the final Test at the Oval. The batsman struggled to convert starts into big scores, which led to him being ruled out of the next series.
Karun Nair returns to Karnataka after working with Vidarbha
Karun Nair, once a highly promising figure in India’s Test team, moved to Vidarbha in search of opportunities to play regularly. The decision paid off as he played a key role in Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy success, displaying both skill and consistency at the crease in domestic cricket.
Playing with Vidarbha proved crucial for Nair, allowing him to gain confidence and re-establish himself as a reliable middle-order batsman in domestic cricket.
Nair’s career has been a mixture of early talent and subsequent challenges. He scored a triple century against England in 2016 and was considered a potential mainstay in India’s Test middle order. However, his international trajectory stalled due to inconsistent form and limited opportunities.
Also read: Harry Brook saved England from embarrassment by scoring an incredible century in the first ODI against New Zealand.
