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.
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“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)
