Latest news with #Nair
Deccan Herald
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Deccan Herald
Gill backs Nair to come good soon
When asked if Nair, who was promoted to No. 3 from the second Test onwards, would be dropped for the 23-year-old Sudharsan, Indian skipper Shubman Gill said an emphatic no.
Deccan Herald
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Deccan Herald
Nair grateful for Vidarbha opportunity as he returns to Karnataka
Nair played a stellar role in Vidarbha's Ranjji Trophy-winning run in the 2024-25 season, amassing 863 runs, including a hundred in the final against Kerala, at an average of 53.
Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
Karun Nair set to return to Karnataka after prolific domestic cricket stint with Vidarbha
India batter Karun Nair will return to Karnataka after a hiatus of three years for the upcoming domestic season after Vidarbha Cricket Association granted him the No Objection Certificate (NOC), reported PTI. Karun played a major role in Vidarbha's title-winning run in the 2024-25 season, scoring 863 runs at an average of 53 and he also made a hundred in the final against Kerala. He had a six-month streak where he scored 1,897 runs and nine centuries across formats for Vidarbha, concluding with a Ranji Trophy title, 'It's tough to see him go as he was a big part of our team in the last couple of seasons. But it's his decision and we respect that and NOC was given. Hopefully, he will do well in the future seasons,' a VCA official told PTI. The successful stint with Vidarbha also helped Karun make a comeback to the Indian Test squad after eight years. His record-breaking run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (50-overs) — 779 runs with five centuries in a row — accentuated his comeback bid. Along with that strong outing, Nair also set a new List A record, scoring 542 runs without getting dismissed. His prolific domestic form, plus a few cameos in the IPL in prime time, helped Karun make a comeback into the national fold. After a double century in Canterbury in a tour match, followed by a 40 in Northampton in the second pratice game, Karun got his chance to return to Test cricket after a long gap. In the first Test, he got out on 0 and 20, batting at No 6. In the two Tests since, he made scores of 31, 26, 40 and 14, all at No 3 after India left out Sai Sudharsan. On Tuesday, captain Shubman Gill hinted at Karun retaining his place for the Manchester Test. 'We think Karun is batting well,' he told reporters on Tuesday about the comeback man, who has struggled to get going at No 3. 'The first match he didn't really play at his number (batted at 6). It's difficult when a player is making a comeback in a series like this, you know. But I don't think there's been any issue with his batting. Sometimes it's also about getting that click, you know. Once you're able to make your 50, then you're able to get back into your zone and get some big runs. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened for him so far.' The 33-year-old Nair is set to face competition from some young Karnataka players such as R Smaran, KL Shrijith and KV Aneesh. However, his presence would certainly lend a touch of experience to the Karnataka batting line-up along with senior batter Mayank Agarawal. Meanwhile, Karnataka will miss the services of pacer Vasuki Koushik, who has obtained the NOC from the state association to play for Goa this season. 'I'd like to thank VCA for everything they've done for me in the last two years,' Karun is quoted as saying in a statement by ESPNCricinfo. 'Whatever I've achieved in the last two years is credit to how they managed me and took care of me like I was their own. Grateful to the VCA, and all the players and support staff. As a team I achieved special things. The atmosphere was so positive. The opportunity to lead such an amazing bunch during the Vijay Hazare and achieving success in the Ranji Trophy is something I'll look back on very fondly.' (With PTI inputs)
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
IND vs ENG: Will India retain Karun Nair for 4th Test? Skipper Shubman Gill gives major update
India's Karun Nair (PTI Photo) Ahead of the crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, India captain Shubman Gill threw his weight behind senior batter Karun Nair, who has been struggling for form in the ongoing series. Gill, addressing the media on Monday, made it clear that Nair remains a vital cog in India's batting unit and needs time to rediscover his rhythm. 'He didn't bat at his number in the first game and we have had conversations with him, and he will turn it around,' Gill said, showing faith in the 33-year-old's ability to deliver when it matters most. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Nair, who was drafted into the XI as an experienced middle-order option, has endured a lean run in his recent outings, amassing 131 runs in six innings so far. With veterans such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli bidding goodbye to the longest format of cricket just before the England tour, the team management backed Nair to bring stability amid the English conditions. However, his lack of significant scores has put pressure on him heading into the must-win clash. Shubman Gill explosive press conference: Hits back at England and big revelation on India Playing XI The Old Trafford surface is expected to offer more pace and bounce, conditions where Nair's compact technique and back-foot game could prove valuable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegantly Designed Homes With Luxurious Viewing Decks Shapoorji Golfland Vanaha Enquire Now Undo The team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, has been working closely with the middle-order batters to ensure strong starts and tight finishes in each session. As India prepare for the fourth Test, all eyes will be on Nair to see if he can repay the captain's trust with a match-defining performance. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Business Standard
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Vidarbha to Karnataka: Nair set for homecoming ahead of new domestic season
New Delhi: Karun Nair, who has just completed a transformative stint with Vidarbha, is preparing to rejoin his home state of Karnataka after a three-season absence. The prolific batter, currently representing India in Test cricket in England, has secured an official release from the Vidarbha Cricket Association, setting the stage for a much-anticipated return as Karnataka reshapes its squad for the upcoming domestic season. Nair's journey has come full circle at a time when his reputation on the domestic front is at its peak, thanks to a dominant Ranji campaign and headline-making List A exploits. Those close to Karnataka cricket believe that bringing back an in-form and experienced Nair could create interesting selection debates, citing his blend of big-match temperament and consistency as a rare asset. A Remarkable Vidarbha Chapter Nair's departure from Karnataka in 2021-22 marked a turning point, as he went on to become the linchpin of Vidarbha's batting unit. Over the past two Ranji Trophy seasons, Nair's form has not just revived his career but has been pivotal in Vidarbha's rise. He piled up 863 runs in 16 innings, averaging over 53, and notched four centuries — including a defining hundred in the final against Kerala that sealed Vidarbha's third-ever Ranji title. Those who tracked his journey noted that switching states gave Nair a fresh outlook, with several staff members and players describing how his calm methods steadied Vidarbha's most tense moments. The white-ball format was no exception. Reprising his leadership skills, Nair led Vidarbha to the Vijay Hazare Trophy final, smashing a tournament-high 779 runs in just eight outings, five of which were consecutive centuries. He broke the List A global record by scoring 542 runs without getting out — a feat that underlined his tactical acumen and endurance at the crease. England Sojourn: A Mixed Bag Despite his red-hot run at home, Nair's numbers for the Indian Test team in England have not hit the same highs. After a promising double-century in a tour game for India A, he has registered moderate scores in the ongoing Test series, often batting out of his usual position. Nonetheless, selectors view his domestic form as evidence of a player who has reinvented himself and earned every chance to reclaim his place at the highest level. Karnataka's New-Look Core and Nair's Fit Nair returns to a Karnataka side buzzing with competition. Upcoming batters like R Smaran, KL Shrijith, and KV Aneesh each delivered breakthrough performances in the recent Ranji campaign. Smaran's aggregate of 516 runs and Shrijith's debut century have added depth to the squad. With senior players like Mayank Agarwal likely to stay at the helm, and Devdutt Padikkal's talent a given, Karnataka's management faces positive selection headaches. Team insiders have hinted that, while the strategy has shifted towards building for the future, they see Nair's experience and current form as a major boost — especially after the exit of senior players like K Gowtham and Manish Pandey. An Evolving Legacy For Nair, this homecoming is more than a return; it is a statement about resilience and seizing a second chance. Coaches in Karnataka feel he will not only compete fiercely for a place but also act as a mentor to the state's next generation of batters — as much a product of adaptation and grit as talent. The new domestic season, therefore, promises not just fresh combinations on the field but a compelling mix of experience, ambition, and renewed rivalry.
