Cricket, often hailed as the “gentleman’s game,” sometimes presents tales that are far from gentle, filled with triumphs and heartbreaks. One such narrative, now seeing a remarkable turn, is that of Karun Nair. After eight long years in the domestic wilderness, the man who once etched his name in history with a triple century for India has been granted a much-deserved second chance, earning a recall to the Indian Test squad for the upcoming tour of England. This comeback is not just a testament to his unwavering persistence but also a heartening reminder of cricket’s capacity for redemption.
The Rise and the Fall: A Triple Century and the Subsequent Exile
Karun Nair burst onto the international scene with a bang, becoming only the second Indian batsman, after the legendary Virender Sehwag, to score a triple century in Test cricket. His magnificent unbeaten 303 against England in Chennai in 2016 was a performance that promised a long and illustrious international career. The cricketing world hailed him as the “next big thing” in Indian middle-order batting.
However, as quickly as he rose, Nair’s international fortunes plummeted. Despite that monumental innings, he found himself out of favor and eventually dropped from the national setup by March 2017. A string of inconsistent opportunities and perhaps a baffling lack of consistent backing from the selectors saw him fade from the immediate spotlight of international cricket. It was a bewildering turn of events for a player of his calibre, leaving many fans and pundits questioning the rationale behind his exclusion.
The Long Road Back:
For eight years, Karun Nair faced the disheartening obscurity of domestic cricket. While many would have crumbled under the mental and emotional toll, Nair’s resolve remained unyielding. His journey back has been a gruelling one, characterized by relentless hard work and an unwavering belief in his abilities.
A Crucial Shift to Vidarbha: A pivotal moment in his resurgence was his move from Karnataka to Vidarbha ahead of the 2023-24 domestic season. In Karnataka, he was finding it increasingly difficult to secure a regular spot in the playing XI. Vidarbha, on the other hand, welcomed him as a seasoned pro looking to rebuild, providing him with the confidence and consistent opportunities he craved.
County Stint for English Conditions: Nair also took a wise step by embracing English County cricket. His stints with Northamptonshire in 2023 and 2024 proved invaluable, helping him adapt to the challenging English conditions and the moving ball. He scored consistently for Northants, including centuries in both seasons, which further solidified his belief in his game.
Prolific Domestic Seasons: The real turnaround, however, came in the Indian domestic circuit. Nair’s performances for Vidarbha have been nothing short of stellar:
- 2023-24 Ranji Trophy: He amassed 690 runs from 10 matches, including two hundreds and three fifties.
- 2024-25 Ranji Trophy: He elevated his game further, scoring a remarkable 863 runs from nine matches at an average of 54, with four centuries. His century in the Ranji final was instrumental in Vidarbha bagging their third Ranji Trophy title.
- 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy: Nair showcased his versatility in the one-day format, hammering 779 runs from seven matches with an astonishing five centuries, at an astronomical average of 389.50. This form, in particular, made his inclusion in the national debate a national talking point.
The Viral Plea and the Answer
In December 2022, a “hurt” Karun Nair posted a poignant message on social media: “Dear cricket, give me one more chance.” This simple plea resonated deeply with fans and cricketers alike, becoming a symbol of his resilience. Two and a half years later, on May 24, 2025, cricket, it seems, has finally replied with a resounding “Yes!” His inclusion in the 18-member Indian squad for the England tour is a direct consequence of his sustained excellence.
A New Chapter: The Road Ahead
Karun Nair’s comeback parallels the stirring return of VVS Laxman in the 1999 domestic season, where Laxman’s phenomenal run-scoring in the Ranji Trophy paved the way for his “Very Very Special” international career. At 33, Nair is in a similar position, and the England tour presents him with a golden opportunity to rewrite his international story.
With key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli transitioning out of Test cricket, India’s batting lineup is undergoing a generational shift. Nair’s experience, coupled with his current form and a newfound mental strength, positions him well to stake a claim for a permanent spot. His ability to score big runs against England, the same opponent against whom he made his triple hundred, adds an intriguing dimension to his return.
