Karun Nair has scored 752 runs from 7 innings at an average of 752 in Vijay Hazare trophy 2024-25:Will he make it to Team India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad?
Karun Nair is the name on every cricket enthusiast’s lips in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2024-25. The 33-year-old batter has been in unreal form, scoring 752 runs, the most in a single edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, at an exceptional level and rewriting records along the way. With a jaw-dropping average of 752, Nair has almost single-handedly carried Vidarbha to the final of the prestigious tournament. He currently has the joint most hundreds (5) in a single edition of the VHT.
Record-breaking consistency
Nair’s batting record this season has been nothing short of phenomenal. In eight innings, he has racked up five centuries and one near-hundred, with scores reading: 112*, 44*, 163*, 111*, 112, DNB, 122*, and 88*. Interestingly, he has been dismissed just once throughout the tournament. His unbeaten 88 off 44 balls in the semifinal against Maharashtra was a masterpiece. Starting cautiously with 51 off 35 balls, he exploded in the final two overs, smashing five sixes and nine boundaries at a strike rate of 200.
Nair also broke the world record for most runs in List A cricket without getting dismissed, scoring 542 runs to surpass New Zealand’s James Franklin (527). His ability to dominate bowlers with elegance and aggression has brought back memories of his triple-century in Test cricket which he had scored against England in 2016, making fans wonder if a return to Team India is on the horizon.
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Heartbreak to redemption
This incredible resurgence comes after a tumultuous phase in Nair’s career. In late 2022, he was dropped from all Karnataka state teams. The snub left him heartbroken, prompting an emotional post on social media: “Dear cricket, give me one more chance.” Speaking about that period, Nair told Hindustan Times, “It was a very heartbreaking moment. Having played for so many years for Karnataka, not to find a spot in any of the teams was disappointing.”
This adversity, however, became the fuel for his remarkable turnaround. Shifting to Vidarbha, Nair rediscovered his lost mojo, silencing doubters with his bat and making a strong case for a national recall.
Champions Trophy 2025: Can Nair make the cut?
The Champions Trophy 2025 is just months away, and discussions about Nair’s potential inclusion in India’s squad have gained traction. With his sublime form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he has become a strong contender for a spot in India’s ODI setup. However, his path to the team is fraught with challenges.
Nair has primarily batted at No. 3 for Vidarbha, a position currently occupied by Virat Kohli in India’s ODI lineup. Kohli’s consistency and stature make it nearly impossible to dislodge him. This leaves the No. 4 or No. 5 slots, where players like Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have been regulars. Both Iyer and Rahul featured in India’s ODI series against Sri Lanka in August 2024, making it a tough call for the selectors to accommodate Nair.
The road ahead
India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against England could provide an opportunity for Nair to stake his claim for the Champions Trophy squad. If the selectors decide to reward his form and include him in the England series, it might pave the way for his return to the national team. Even if he misses out on the Champions Trophy, Nair’s consistency and hunger for runs make him a viable option for India’s long-term plans, including the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Karun Nair’s scintillating form in the VHT 2024-25 has reignited hopes of an international comeback. His performances are a testament to his resilience and determination, turning a career setback into a golden opportunity. Whether he makes it to the Champions Trophy 2025 squad or not, Nair’s journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance, proving that passion and hard work can overcome the darkest of times.
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