How prolific Karun refined and redefined his career with Vidarbha

Karun Nair shines in Vijay Hazare Trophy with five centuries, aiming for Indian team comeback after career setbacks.

Karun Nair has set the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy on fire by leading from the front for Vidarbha, smashing five centuries in six innings and powering his team into the semifinals.

The 33-year-old has amassed 664 runs and is currently leading the run charts.

During the league stage, the former Karnataka batter scored the world record for most List-A runs without being dismissed (542).

“I have been playing well for the last 16-17 months. I have played many county games as well, which has helped me in my game and my confidence by getting runs there in difficult conditions. I have been just trying to enjoy my batting, and it’s been coming out well in all formats,” Karun told The Hindu recently about his purple patch.

“It is not something that’s just come off suddenly. It’s the work of a few years, and I am pleased with how it’s coming out, and I hope it continues.”

Karun announced his arrival on the big stage when he became only the second Indian to score a Test triple-century during the fifth Test against England in Chennai (2016). However, despite achieving a monumental feat in only his third Test, he played only three more games before falling off the radar.

His career hit a further low when his home state of Karnataka decided to move past him in 2022-23, and he was out of action for more than six months.