Karun Nair reminded the selectors of his enduring class with a defiant century in the Ranji Trophy, reigniting hopes of a national team comeback. The Karnataka batter, who was recently dropped from India’s Test squad for the West Indies series, struck a gritty hundred against Goa on Day 2 of the ongoing match in Shimoga.
Coming in with Karnataka reeling at 65/4, the 33-year-old stood tall amid a top-order collapse, guiding the innings with patience and authority. Nair reached his 25th First-Class century on the second morning after resuming unbeaten on 86 overnight, ensuring Karnataka steadied from a precarious position. None of the other top-five batters crossed 30, underlining the importance of his knock.
The innings comes at a crucial juncture for Nair, who had scored 73 in his first appearance for Karnataka since returning from Vidarbha. It’s been an eventful few months for the right-hander — once again in the spotlight after being recalled for the England Test series earlier this year, only to be omitted for the subsequent tour of the West Indies following modest returns.
With India’s next Test challenge set to be in South Africa, Nair’s timely form could put him back in contention if selectors look for experienced middle-order options. The squad for the two-match series is expected to be announced next week, and Nair’s century has ensured his name will be part of that conversation once more.
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