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Karun Nair, after a stellar season with Vidarbha, returns to Karnataka for personal reasons, aiming to guide young players and focus on his own preparations.
Karun Nair (AP photo)
Karun Nair’s exploits in the last domestic season were unforgettable. The right-hand batter accumulated a truckload of runs and smashed a total of 9 centuries across formats. His performance not only helped his team, Vidarbha, clinch yet another Ranji Trophy title but was also beneficial for him on the personal front. It paved his way back to the Indian dressing room, giving him a second chance to play for the country.
However, it was learned last month that Nair has decided to return to Karnataka before the 2025-2026 domestic season. After representing Vidarbha for two straight seasons, he got the No Objection Certificate from the association to head back home.
A tough decision, taken due to personal reasons
Speaking with ANI, Nair spoke about his decision to make the massive move. He said it was indeed a tough one, but he had to make it due to personal reasons.
“It was a very tough decision. But due to some personal reasons, I had to make that decision. But things at home were tougher. So, that’s why I had to make the decision,” Nair was quoted as saying by PTI.
“I had a nice chat with them (Vidarbha) and made them understand that I’m really grateful for the last two years, for the opportunity that Vidarbha gave me. Obviously, they were a little disappointed. But, you know, I made them understand that it wasn’t any other reason,” he added.
Upon his return, Karun will have some young and promising understudies like R Smaran and KV Aneesh to guide in Karnataka ranks, and he is excited about the task.
“It’s all about helping the players whenever they need something and just being there for them and supporting them. So, for me, it’s quite simple. I just have to go out there and score runs and help the team. And whenever I feel I need to help someone or they need some guidance, I will be there for them to support them,” he noted.
Not focusing on more Indian chances
After a successful England tour, India will embrace the home season soon with a couple of Test series against the West Indies and South Africa. However, Nair wants to focus on his preparations rather than worrying about selection matters.
“I am not looking too far ahead. I am just taking it day by day. Trying to, you know, work on everything that I can work on and on the learnings from the last series. And then, you know, as the time comes, we will know more about what’s going to happen.
“But for me, it’s just about working on myself day by day and improving every single day on my skills and my fitness,” he said.
(With PTI Inputs)
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had …Read More
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had … Read More
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