Who is Karun Nair?
Karun Nair is an Indian cricketer known for his calm demeanor and fluent stroke play. He made headlines for being only the second Indian batsman to score a triple century in Test cricket. Following the legendary Virender Sehwag. Born on December 6, 1991, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Karun Nair rose to prominence with his impressive performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Primarily a right-handed batsman. He has showcased his versatility across different formats, making him a valuable asset in the Indian cricketing circuit.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Karun Nair |
| Date of birth | December 6, 1991 |
| Place of birth | Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India |
| Parents | Not publicly known |
| Education | Not publicly known |
| Occupation | Professional cricketer |
| Notable cases | Scored a triple century in Test cricket against England in 2016 |
| Awards and honors | None |
| Personal life | Married to Chinnu |
| Another name | Not applicable |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lb) |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Debut | First-class: 2013/14<br>List A: 2012/13<br>T20: 2012 |
| Date of Birth | December 6, 1991 |
| Age | 33 |
| Birthplace | Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India |
| Zodiac sign | Sagittarius |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India |
| School | Not publicly known |
| College/University | Not publicly known |
| Educational Qualification | Not publicly known |
| Food Habit | Not publicly known |
| Hobby | Not publicly known |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Affairs/Girlfriend | Not applicable |
| Spouse | Chinnu |
| Parents | Not publicly known |
| Siblings | Not publicly known |
| Car Collections | Not publicly known |
| Bike Collections | Not publicly known |
| Salary/Income | Not publicly known |
| Assets | Not publicly known |
| Net Worth | Estimated at ₹10 crore (US$1.2 million) |
| Not publicly known | |
| @karun18 | |
| @karun18 | |
| YouTube | None |
| IMDb | https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3829489/ |
Early Life Of Karun Nair
Karun Nair was born into a Malayali family settled in Jodhpur, where his father, Kaladharan Nair, worked as an engineer. His mother, Prema Nair, was a teacher. Despite being born in Rajasthan, Karun’s roots trace back to Kerala. The family later moved to Bengaluru, where he started his cricketing journey. From a young age, Karun displayed an innate talent for cricket. And he was enrolled in the Koramangala Cricket Academy, where he honed his skills under experienced coaches. He balanced academics and sports, but his passion for cricket was evident early on.
Career Of Karun Nair
Domestic Career
Karun Nair’s domestic cricket journey began with Karnataka, a powerhouse in Indian domestic cricket, where he made a notable debut in first-class cricket in 2013. His breakthrough came during the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy season. Where he notched up three consecutive centuries, playing a crucial role in Karnataka’s title triumph. This remarkable feat established him as one of the most dependable middle-order batsmen in Indian domestic cricket.
Over the ensuing seasons, Nair continued to accumulate runs consistently, further solidifying his reputation as a key figure in Indian first-class cricket. His performances earned him selection for India A, where he showcased his versatility and temperament in various formats. Nair’s adaptability to both spin and pace has been a defining feature of his batting, making him a highly regarded talent in the domestic circuit.
Indian Premier League
Karun Nair’s IPL journey began in 2013 when he was picked by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). However, he gained prominence during his stint with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 2014 season. Where he scored over 300 runs, including a match-winning 73 off 50 balls against Delhi Daredevils.
He later moved to Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), where he continued to display his batting prowess. One of his most memorable IPL innings was a 59-ball 83 for Delhi Daredevils against Mumbai Indians. Though his IPL career has seen ups and downs, his performances have often provided glimpses of his potential.
International Career
Karun Nair made his international debut in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against Zimbabwe in June 2016. Later that year, he was called up to the Indian Test squad, making his debut against England in November 2016.
Nair’s career reached a historic pinnacle during the fifth Test against England in Chennai, where he scored an extraordinary, unbeaten 303. This remarkable achievement made him only the second Indian cricketer to score a triple century in Test cricket. His monumental innings thrust him into the international spotlight. However, despite this career-defining performance, Nair’s opportunities to represent India remained limited, and his sporadic inclusion in the national team has sparked considerable discussion among cricket experts.
Karun Nair Creates History: Sets Record for Most Runs in Vijay Hazare Trophy Without Dismissal
Indian cricketer Karun Nair has added another remarkable achievement to his career by becoming the first batsman to score the most runs in a single edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy without being dismissed. This historic feat underscores Nair’s incredible consistency and mental strength throughout the tournament, further cementing his reputation as one of the finest batsmen in Indian domestic cricket.
A Record of Consistency
What makes Nair’s record extraordinary is not just the volume of runs he scored, but the fact that he remained unbeaten in every inning he played. Such a level of consistency and composure is rare in competitive cricket, especially in a tournament like the Vijay Hazare Trophy, known for its high standard of play and fierce competition.
Key Contributions Of Karun Nair
Nair’s crucial knocks were instrumental in guiding his team through the tournament stages. His ability to adapt to different match situations and his hunger for runs made him a standout performer. Whether chasing a steep target or setting up a big total, Nair’s calm approach and effective stroke play ensured his team stayed in contention.
A Glance at Karun Nair’s Career
Karun Nair first gained international fame when he became only the second Indian to score a triple century in Test cricket, a feat he accomplished against England in 2016. Since then, while his international appearances have been limited, he has consistently performed at the domestic level. This latest record is yet another reminder of his prowess and potential.
A Boost to His Future Prospects Of Karun Nair
This performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy may serve as a turning point in Nair’s career. Possibly earning him a recall to the national team or a leadership role in his state side. His form and fitness are at their peak, making him an exciting prospect for future tournaments.
Final Thoughts Of Karun Nair
Karun Nair’s historic run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy without dismissal is a testament to his hard work, patience, and skill. Achieving such a unique record requires not only technical excellence but also immense mental strength. And Nair has displayed both in abundance. As the cricketing world takes note of his achievement, fans eagerly await what’s next in the journey of this talented batsman.
Achievements Of Karun Nair
International Milestones:
- Triple Century in Test Cricket: Karun Nair etched his name in cricketing history by scoring an unbeaten 303 against England in Chennai in December 2016. He became only the second Indian batsman after Virender Sehwag to achieve a triple century in Test cricket. And one of the few globally to convert a maiden Test century into a triple hundred. This performance remains a hallmark of his international career.
Domestic Cricket Success:
- Consistent Performer in the Ranji Trophy: Nair played a pivotal role in Karnataka’s dominance during the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons.
- During the 2013–14 Ranji Trophy season, Karun Nair played a pivotal role in Karnataka’s title victory, scoring three consecutive centuries. His remarkable consistency with the bat was instrumental in securing the championship. Underscoring his growing reputation as one of the most reliable performers in Indian domestic cricket.
- In the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy final, he scored a remarkable 328 runs, becoming the first batsman to register a triple century in a Ranji final since 1947. His innings helped Karnataka secure back-to-back championships.
- List A Cricket World Record: In January 2025, Nair set a world record in List A cricket by scoring 542 consecutive runs without being dismissed during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This feat broke the previous record of 527 runs, held by New Zealand’s James Franklin since 2010.
Awards and Nominations:
- Arjuna Award Nomination: His outstanding performances in domestic and international cricket earned him a nomination for the prestigious Arjuna Award, a recognition of excellence in Indian sports.
Karun Nair’s achievements underscore his technical proficiency, mental resilience, and significant contributions to Indian cricket across all formats. His record-breaking performances and consistent domestic success have firmly established him as one of the country’s finest cricketing talents.
Family Of Karun Nair
Karun Nair comes from a close-knit Malayali family. His father, Kaladharan Nair, and mother, Prema Nair, have been strong pillars of support throughout his cricketing journey. Despite being settled in Bengaluru, the family maintains close ties with their roots in Kerala. Karun is known to be very attached to his parents and often credits them for his success.
Relationship Of Karun Nair
Karun Nair married his long-time girlfriend, Sanaya Tankariwala, in 2020. The couple dated for several years before tying the knot in a grand ceremony attended by close friends and family. Sanaya is often seen accompanying Karun at various events, and the two share a strong bond. Their relationship has been a source of positivity and stability in Karun’s life, especially during the challenging phases of his cricketing career.
With his immense talent and grit, Karun Nair remains a significant figure in Indian cricket. While his journey has had its fair share of highs and lows, his triple century and consistent domestic performances have etched his name in Indian cricketing history. Fans and experts alike continue to hope for his resurgence on the international stage.
