As the cricketing world gears up for the much-anticipated IND vs ENG 1st Test at Headingley, Leeds, on [insert date], one story stands out as a beacon of resilience and determination. Karun Nair, India’s second-ever triple-centurion in Test cricket, is on the brink of a remarkable comeback to the national side after an eight-year hiatus, and his journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Nair, now 33, has described the end of 2022 as the darkest phase of his career, a period marked by emotional turmoil and self-doubt. Speaking candidly on R Ashwin’s YouTube channel, he revealed, ‘It was quite a dark place at the end of 2022. A very emotional phase for me, tougher than even 2018.’ This low point came after years of battling exclusion from the Indian team despite a historic triple century (303*) against England in Chennai in 2016, a feat only matched by the legendary Virender Sehwag in Indian cricket history.
Reflecting on his exclusion post his monumental knock, Nair admitted to being baffled by the lack of communication from selectors. ‘After the 300 in Chennai and the Australia series in 2017, I wasn’t part of the Sri Lanka tour. I couldn’t understand what was happening,’ he said. The right-handed batsman from Karnataka feels that converting a few starts during the challenging Australia series in 2017 into bigger scores might have cemented his place in the squad. ‘If I had just converted those starts, maybe I wouldn’t have gone through all of this,’ he mused.
Yet, Nair has emerged from that abyss with a renewed perspective. ‘I don’t want to be where I was a couple of years ago, quite honestly,’ he stated with conviction. Today, he expresses profound gratitude for his journey and the support system that kept him going. ‘I’m very grateful to be in this situation. I treat every day as a gift and value each moment,’ he added. His domestic performances have been nothing short of Bradmanesque, with consistent runs for Karnataka, including leading them to crucial Ranji Trophy victories, paving the way for his Test recall.
A significant pillar of strength during his hiatus was the unwavering support from his state side, Karnataka. ‘There’s always been a great bond between the players in Karnataka. We’ve played together since a young age, and it felt like returning to family. They never put undue pressure on me, even when I wasn’t scoring,’ Nair recalled. This familial backing, combined with his relentless grit, saw him return to form, earning him a spot in the Indian squad for the upcoming Test series against England.
As the first Test looms, there’s a strong possibility that Nair will don the Indian whites once again, potentially slotting into the middle order at Headingley—a venue known for its seaming conditions and historic encounters. His last Test appearance was in 2017, and a comeback after nearly a decade is a testament to his unyielding spirit. With 374 runs in six Tests at an average of 62.33, including that iconic triple ton, Nair brings both experience and hunger to the Indian camp.
Karun Nair’s story is not just about cricket; it’s about overcoming adversity, silencing doubts, and embracing second chances. As India takes on England in what promises to be a thrilling contest, all eyes will be on this comeback hero. Will he seize this opportunity to rewrite his legacy? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Nair is ready to face the future, leaving the shadows of the past firmly behind.