After WI Test Snub, Karun Nair Roars Back With 73 On Karnataka Ranji Return

It’s been a rollercoaster 2025 for Karun Nair, who has endured some incredible highs and has also seen some painful lows in what’s been a mixed year for him. Nair started the year off by powering Vidarbha to the Ranji Trophy title, and then he earned a call-up to the Indian Test side after eight long years. 

He featured in four Tests against England but failure to convert a ton of starts meant that his comeback was cut short, as he got overlooked for the two-Test series at home against West Indies, with youngster Sai Sudharsan getting the preference.

Nair might have lost his place in the Indian Test side, but he continues to pile on the runs. Today, in the Ranji Trophy clash between Karnataka and Saurashtra, the 33-year-old hit 73 batting at No.4, in what was a homecoming game for him.  

Nair walked in with Karnataka in a spot of bother at 26/2, but he stitched a 146-run stand with another team India Test star Devdutt Padikkal. That put the side right on top as Karnataka took control of the contest. Nair looked well set for a ton, but departed for 73 after being trapped LBW by Dharmendrasinh Jadeja. 

A string of big scores here could put Nair back in contention for the two-Test series against South Africa next month. It might become a case of one injury for the 33-year-old to get another chance.