Karun Nair, who rose to fame with his triple century against England in 2016, was once considered India’s next big middle-order star. However, his international career faded almost as quickly as it began. Now, the right-hander has staged a powerful comeback in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, scoring consecutive centuries to remind the selectors of his quality.
In Karnataka’s ongoing matches against Kerala and Goa, Nair has delivered commanding batting displays. On Sunday, at the KCA Cricket Ground in Trivandrum, he went a step further and scored a double century, putting Karnataka in a strong position in the match. His performances have sent a strong message to the selectors ahead of future Test assignments.
Nair’s Dominant Comeback Performance in Domestic Cricket
After being out of the Indian national setup for several years, Nair has returned with determination and flair. His latest knock marked his fifth century in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, confirming his consistency and ability to anchor innings under pressure.
The match between Kerala and Karnataka began with Kerala in control. Karnataka were struggling at 13/2 when Karun Nair walked in. He steadied the innings and ended Day 1 with 142 off 251 balls*, supported by partnerships with Smaran Ravichandran (88*) and Krishnan Shrijith (65). Their efforts took Karnataka to 319/3 at stumps.
On Day 2, Nair continued his dominance, converting his overnight century into a double century. He scored 233 off 389 balls, striking 25 fours and 2 sixes. The knock followed his unbeaten 174 off 267 balls* against Goa at Shimoga. With this, he notched his fifth double-century in first-class cricket and lifted Karnataka to a competitive total of 371.
Nair’s performances highlight not only his resilience but also his strong desire to make a return to the Indian Test team.
Key Milestones and Career Revival
The 33-year-old has now scored back-to-back centuries in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, reaffirming his status as one of domestic cricket’s most reliable batters. His memorable 303 against England in Chennai* still remains one of Indian cricket’s finest Test innings.
Nair recently crossed 9,000 first-class runs. He has played 121 first-class matches at an impressive average of 48.64, with 21 centuries and 29 half-centuries. His highest score is 328.
At the international level, he has represented India in 10 Tests at an average of 41.36, along with 2 ODIs. He was also in strong touch during the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he struck 122 off 82 balls, showcasing his continued prowess in white-ball cricket. This resurgence underlines that he is still very much in contention for a place in India’s Test squad.
Can Karun Nair Earn a Recall to the Indian Test Team?
Karun Nair, only the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to score a Test triple century, has shown exceptional temperament in the Ranji Trophy so far. However, for a national comeback, consistency will be crucial across the entire tournament.
His current form is exactly what India’s Test setup could benefit from: experience, patience, and the ability to play long innings. If Nair continues this level of performance, the selectors will have a compelling case to consider him once again. His comeback story is far from over; in fact, it may just be beginning again.