Karun Nair’s Stunning Comeback: From Forgotten Triple Centurion to India’s Middle-Order Hope
While the headlines may focus on Shubman Gill being named India’s new Test captain over Jasprit Bumrah, a quieter but equally inspiring story is unfolding — the remarkable return of Karun Nair to the Indian Test squad after nearly eight years in exile.
Once hailed as India’s next great red-ball batter following his incredible 303* against England in 2016, Nair’s journey has been anything but smooth. Inconsistent form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (scores of 26, 0, 23, and 5) and a mediocre 2017 IPL season (281 runs at 21.61) saw him quickly fall out of favor with selectors.
Despite a decent run with India A (136 runs in two matches in South Africa) and a 157-run effort in the Duleep Trophy, Nair was overlooked repeatedly. His career seemed to drift into obscurity — until now.
A Long Road Back
Nair’s perseverance, however, never wavered. After years in the domestic wilderness, the 33-year-old made a bold move — shifting base from Karnataka to Vidarbha and signing up for a County stint with Northamptonshire. That decision proved pivotal.
In 2023, he tallied 249 runs in three matches for Northamptonshire at a brilliant average of 83. He returned in 2024 to play seven more matches in Division Two, amassing 487 runs at 48.7, including an unbeaten double century (202*) against Glamorgan — a reminder of his class and temperament.
Domestic Redemption
Nair’s domestic form was impossible to ignore this Ranji Trophy season. He played a vital role in Vidarbha’s triumphant campaign, scoring 863 runs in 9 matches at an average of 53.93. His standout performances included a century in the quarterfinal against Tamil Nadu and twin scores of 86 and 135 in the final.
As fate would have it, the retirements of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli created an opening. With a strong domestic season behind him, Nair has been rewarded with a recall for the England Test tour and a spot in the India A squad to face the England Lions.
What Lies Ahead?
Nair’s story is one of grit, patience, and reinvention. At 33, he’s no longer a prodigy but a battle-hardened professional with the hunger to contribute and stabilize a transitioning Indian middle order.
As he told ESPNcricinfo during his County stint:
“It’s still exciting to wake up each morning and dream of finding a way back to play Tests. That keeps me going.”
Now, that dream is closer than ever. If he delivers in the warm-up matches, India may very well see Karun Nair walk out again in whites — a comeback eight years in the making, and perhaps the most well-deserved one yet.
