Veteran Indian batsman Karun Nair is resolute in his quest to revive his cricketing career, with a keen focus on delivering consistent performances in both domestic and county cricket. Even though it has been seven years since his last Test appearance, Nair's recent displays have sparked renewed optimism about his potential return to the international arena.
Having navigated various challenges, Nair is determined to reclaim his place in Test cricket. He prefers to take a measured approach, focusing on immediate objectives rather than distant aspirations, believing that excessive contemplation about the future could impede his growth. Despite a lengthy hiatus from international cricket, Nair has recently showcased glimpses of his former prowess, making noteworthy contributions for Vidarbha and Northamptonshire in the English county circuit.
Nair's performances in domestic cricket have reignited hopes for his comeback to the national team. Over the past year, he has demonstrated a resurgence in form, including a remarkable stint in early 2023 where he accumulated 249 runs in three matches for Northamptonshire at an impressive average of 83, featuring a century against Surrey, the eventual champions. That season, he continued to excel, amassing 487 runs in seven matches at an average of 49, highlighted by another century against Glamorgan.
Reflecting on his journey, Nair emphasises a pragmatic approach. "You have to be ready for the grind. It's about focusing on the next game. I'm not overly concerned about the future, as it can sometimes distract from the present," he shared with PTI on Wednesday. His priority remains to capitalise on every opportunity without letting future uncertainties weigh him down.
Nair’s experience with Northamptonshire has been crucial, particularly in adapting to the challenges of playing with a moving ball in English conditions. "Playing in England, dealing with the moving ball, was challenging. I’ve learned a lot about myself as a batsman, discovering ways to score runs and bolstering my self-belief," he remarked. This overseas stint has provided him with fresh insights into his game, refining his techniques and enhancing his confidence.
His transition from Karnataka to Vidarbha has also been pivotal in his resurgence. While he faced difficulties securing regular spots in the Karnataka lineup, Vidarbha offered him a renewed opportunity. Last season, he notched up 690 runs in 10 matches, including two centuries, playing a significant role in Vidarbha's journey to the Ranji Trophy semifinals. "The chance to participate in the Ranji Trophy was something I had missed for a year, and I'm grateful to Vidarbha for that opportunity," Nair expressed. His goal now is to build on this success and strive for even greater achievements with his team.
Despite the challenges of missing a complete season, Nair has transformed adversity into a source of strength. "The season I missed taught me to appreciate each game, practice harder, and adopt a smarter approach," he reflected. This period away from the field has intensified his resolve and sharpened his concentration.
Nair's ambition to return to the Indian team remains steadfast. "Every cricketer aims to represent their country, and that's my goal now — to play Test cricket once again. I have confidence in my abilities and believe I can achieve this," he asserted with determination.
Currently, Nair is directing his focus toward leading the Mysore Warriors in the ongoing KSCA Maharaja T20 tournament. With the team having secured a place in the semifinals, he aims to further this positive momentum into a title victory. "We’ve accomplished the first step by qualifying for the semis, and we hope to go all the way," he concluded.