Karun Nair Returns to Karnataka Cricket Board Ahead of 2025 Season

Karun Nair's Comeback to Karnataka

Following his recent selection for the Test squad, seasoned domestic cricketer Karun Nair has announced his decision to rejoin the Karnataka cricket board. He is set to participate in the domestic season starting from 2025/26.

Nair began his cricketing journey with Karnataka but later transitioned to Vidharbha, where he had a remarkable season in 2024/25 that led to his Test call-up after a seven-year hiatus. He made the switch to Vidharbha in 2022 before making this latest decision.

According to reports, Nair will be returning to his original team, Karnataka, which he has represented since his junior days. Notably, he was still part of the Karnataka squad when he made his international Test debut in 2016.

However, after being dropped by Karnataka four years post-debut, he opted to play for Vidharbha. Now, after two successful years, he is ready to reconnect with his roots.

Karun Nair's Domestic Performance Highlights

Karun Nair has made a strong case for his inclusion in the Indian Test team following an outstanding domestic season. In the 2023–24 Ranji Trophy, he scored an impressive 863 runs over nine matches. His remarkable form continued in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he accumulated 779 runs in just eight innings, boasting an extraordinary average of 389.50. This performance included five centuries and one half-century, showcasing his prowess in domestic cricket.

Despite his stellar performances, the 33-year-old was not selected for the 2025 Champions Trophy squad. Nevertheless, his recent achievements have led to his recall to the Test team, potentially allowing him to play his first red-ball match for India since 2017. Although he was part of the squad for the 2018 tour of England, he did not make it to the playing XI and was later dropped.

Karun Nair is one of only two Indian cricketers to have scored a triple century in Test cricket. He has accumulated 374 runs in six Test matches and has played in two ODIs, making his debut in 2016 alongside notable players like KL Rahul and Yuzvendra Chahal.