Indian Premier League (IPL) has not just been a platform for bringing young cricketers to the
fore, but also for cricketers who haven’t got their due despite performing for years in the
domestic circuit. One such story of resurgence has been that of Karun Nair’s, whose recent
performance in the IPL 2025 stands as a shining example of determination and unwavering
commitment to the sport.
The Journey Back to the Limelight
Karun made his ODI debut along with KL Rahul and his test debut in 2016. Unfortunately after
just 6 test matches he was dropped despite scoring 303 against England. Even in IPL he had
last played in 2022, after which he was away from the limelight for a few years. His inconsistent
performances and rise of other players were the main reason for him missing out on further
opportunities.
However, his performances in domestic cricket has been nothing short of exceptional. In the
2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he amassed 255 runs in six innings at an impressive
average of 42.50 and a striking rate of 177.08. His leadership and batting prowess were further
evident in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20, where he captained the Mysuru Warriors to victory
and emerged as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 1,349 runs.
These performances helped him get the attention of the Delhi Capitals who bought him in the
auction for 50 lakhs.
A Stellar Performance Against Mumbai Indians
On April 13, 2025, representing the Delhi Capitals, Nair delivered a scintillating innings against
the Mumbai Indians (MI). Coming in early as an Impact Player, he showcased his class by
scoring 89 runs off just 40 balls, adorned with 12 boundaries and 5 towering sixes. His
aggressive approach, especially against premier bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik
Pandya, left the opposition searching for answers. Unfortunately for his team, despite his valiant
effort, Delhi fell short by 12 runs, marking their first loss of the season.
Echoes of a Past Plea
Following his explosive performance against MI, an old tweet from Nair resurfaced: “Dear
cricket, give me one more chance.” This heartfelt plea was made during his career’s lowest
point. Though during that time he was trolled and made fun of, today after his comeback
performance, this same tweet resonated deeply with fans as it highlighted the emotional journey
of an athlete striving for redemption.
A Testament to Resilience
Karun Nair’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and relentless
hard work. His recent performances serve as an inspiration, reminding us that with dedication,
it’s possible to overcome setbacks and reclaim one’s place at the pinnacle of the sport.
Nair’s resurgence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu expressed his
admiration, emphasizing the mental fortitude required to stage such a comeback. He voiced
hope for Nair’s return to the Indian Test squad, especially for the upcoming tour of England.
As the IPL 2025 progresses, fans and experts alike will be keenly watching Nair’s contributions,
hoping that this marks the beginning of a sustained period of excellence for the talented
batsman.
Will bringing back talented players like Nair, in place of out of form players help the Indian Team
secure the top position in test rankings next season?
