Karun Nair debuted in 2013, but for the last 12 years it has been a roller coaster for him. He played for four different teams, yet he was unable to secure a permanent place in any team. In IPL 2023 and 2024, Nair did not play the only game that seemed to signal the end of his career IPL.
But instead of giving up, Nair continued to work hard, determined not to accept that his journey IPL had ended. In 2024 he made a strong statement with his bat across the formats, especially during his Visarbh campaign in Vijay Hazare Trophy. This performance brought him back to the center of attention, not only for the potential return of the IPL, but also for the place in the Indian team.
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“To be ready”
On Sunday, Nair proved that his cricket career of the highest level is far from finished. Although his team lost, Nair stole the show with an explosive 89 out of 40 balls, including 12 four and five six. Mitchell Santner took a special van to release him against the game.
After Nair’s departure, DC lost his momentum and was performed at 193 at 19 breaks. After three years, he was thinking about his return to IPL for three years and shared that he was patiently waiting for his chance during his time. Instead of dwelling on his past failures, he focused on remaining ready to take advantage of any occasion that was given to him.
“Well, honestly, I felt confident. I felt that I was well prepared to play in IPL if I got the opportunity. I was preparing for the whole season and waited for my chance. It was all about being prepared and respecting the management decision to choose eleven.
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Runs and other runs
In Vijay Hazare Trophy, the Indian premiere one -day competition, Nair scored 779 runs in nine matches and average an incredible 389.50. Its consistency was remarkable when it set a record for most of the runs between release in the cricket list with a score of 112, 111*(not out), 44*, 163*and 112*.
Nair also showed his class in Ranja Trophy, where he recorded 863 runs out of 16 shifts, with Vidarbha won the title for the third time. Nair carried its excellent form into the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy and accumulates 255 runs in a 177.38 strike. These performances were impressive enough to invest Capitals (DC) during the mega auction last year.
But Nair had to wait for five matches before he earned a place in DC playing XI – and when it came, he took the opportunity.
“Get used to speed”
Nair is known for his authentic and classic shots, but on Sunday he showed his innovativeness and recorded 18 escapes of one of Jasprit Bumhrah. Instead of retreating against Bumrah, Nair exposed with certainty at the stadium ARUN Jaitley his wide range of strokes. When Nair was considering his approach, he mentioned that he had to adapt to the pace of the game to succeed.
“If we look at the IPL cricket, I have always been happy with the game. I know how the game develops, so it was just about getting used to its speed and playing my normal shots. I didn’t change anything; I supported and played the areas.
For the NAIR, the 89-run Knock is just the beginning. Since Delhi Capitals is still some distance from ensuring the place of playoffs, its integration could provide the team with much needed support. After his solid performance against me, Nair will have to support another strong knocking in another DC game against Rajasthan Royals.
Karun Nair often escaped the consistency, but as hoped in 2022, cricket gave him a “next chance”. Now it is up to him to count this opportunity.
Published:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
14 April 2025
