Team India batsman Karun Nair has sent a message to chief selector Ajit Agarkar ahead of the two-match Test series against South Africa. The right-handed batsman scored his 26th first-class century during the Ranji Trophy Group B match between Karnataka and Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
Nair returned to Test cricket after almost nine years during the England tour. However, he averaged over 120 runs in the mid-20s with only one half-century. He looked settled at the crease but failed to convert his start. Recently the batsman was dropped from the team for the West Indies series.
Karun Nair scored his second consecutive century in Ranji Trophy 2025-26
Karun Nair has thrust himself back into the selection discussion with his batting performances in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. He scored a century against Kerala in the red-ball tournament.
The experienced batsman reached this milestone in just 163 balls. Notably, he scored an unbeaten 174 against Goa in the last game and scored 73 against Saurashtra in the opening match.
India has not yet revealed its team for the Test series against South Africa, so considering Nair’s current form, his selection can be considered. He will be up against Sai Sudarshan, who is currently playing for India A against South Africa A but has not been able to make any impact with the bat.
Karun Nair joins Rahul Dravid in the list of top cricketers from Karnataka
Karun Nair also completed the milestone of 9,000 runs in first-class cricket. With this feat, he became the sixth Karnataka batsman to achieve the feat, joining the elite group of Rahul Dravid, GR Vishwanath, Brijesh Patel, Syed Kirmani and Robin Uthappa.
Nair, playing his 123rd first-class match, has scored more than 9,090 runs at an average close to 50, which includes 26 centuries and 38 fifties. He has also been impressive in the Ranji Trophy.
Nair has scored over 5,450 runs in 73 matches at an average of over 47, including 19 centuries and 19 half-centuries. His continued form this season strengthens his case for a possible return to the national Test team. He has scored 579 runs in 10 Test matches at an average of 41.35, which also includes a triple century.
Karun Nair rescues Karnataka after early defeat against Kerala
Karnataka won the toss and decided to bat first. Kerala bowlers dismissed openers Mayank Agarwal and Anish KV early, reducing the visitors’ score to 13/2. Karun Nair came to the crease under pressure and took the innings forward with his composed approach.
The right-handed batsman made an important partnership of 123 runs with KL Srijit for the third wicket. Srijit scored 65 to help Karnataka regain control before Baba Aparajith broke the stand.
Nair then continued to take the innings forward with another century partnership and an unbeaten 183-run partnership with Smaran R for the fourth wicket. Karnataka ended the first day at 319/3 in 90 overs, with Nair (142*) and Smaran (88*) at the crease.
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