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Karun Nair hits century for Karnataka after first-innings failure in Ranji Trophy

Karun Nair delivered a commanding century to rescue Karnataka from a precarious position in their Ranji Trophy clash against Andhra, following a dismal first-innings total of just eight runs. The 34-year-old batsman, known for his consistency, struck his 20th Ranji hundred with a fluid innings, targeting left-arm spinners Saurabh and Lalith Mohan with powerful sixes to anchor Karnataka’s chase.

His resilience comes after a recent domestic resurgence, including a standout 2024-25 season with Vidarbha, where he amassed 863 runs at an average of 53.93 en route to a Ranji Trophy title. The performance also follows his recall to the India Test team last year, where he played a pivotal role in a drawn series against England, underscoring his ability to deliver under pressure.

Nair’s form has been a bright spot amid recent setbacks, including his omission from the 2026 Duleep Trophy semifinals and finals, but his latest effort reaffirms his status as one of India’s most reliable red-ball batsmen.

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