India | Top order Batter
Karun Nair is an Indian cricketer known for his batting, particularly in the top order. He is a right-handed batter and an occasional off-break bowler. While primarily a middle-order batter, he has also shown his ability to bat in the top order, especially in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League
| Full Name Karun Nair | Born December 06, 1991, Jodhpur, Rajasthan | Age 33y 151d |
| Batting Style Right hand Bat | Bowling Style Right arm Offbreak | Playing Role Top order Batter |
Teams
Karun Nair: The Resilient Opener’s Journey Through Cricket
About Him
Karun Kaladharan Nair, born on December 6, 1991 , in Jodhpur, Rajasthan , is a right-handed opening batsman and occasional off-break bowler who represents Karnataka in domestic cricket. Known for his classical technique and gritty temperament, Nair has carved a niche for himself despite fluctuating fortunes in international cricket. As of 2025, he is 34 years old 16. His family relocated to Bangalore during his childhood, where he honed his skills at the Karnataka Institute of Cricket (KIOC).
Early Career
Nair’s cricketing journey began in domestic cricket, where he quickly gained recognition for his consistency. Representing Karnataka , he became a cornerstone of the state team, scoring crucial runs in Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments. His breakthrough came in the 2010–11 Ranji Trophy , where he amassed 839 runs at an average of 64.53 , including a century against Tamil Nadu . This performance cemented his reputation as a reliable top-order batter.
Domestic Cricket: The Bedrock of Success
Nair’s domestic career is studded with milestones:
- First-Class Stats (as of 2025) : 169 matches, 3,616 runs , including 2 centuries , with a highest score of 111 .
- In the 2024–25 domestic season , he smashed nine centuries , showcasing his hunger to reclaim relevance in Indian cricket .
- His resilience against spin and ability to anchor innings made him a key player in red-ball cricket.
Despite his domestic prowess, Nair struggled to secure a permanent spot in the Indian Test lineup, often overshadowed by contemporaries like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara.
International Career: A Tale of Peaks and Valleys
Nair’s international career began in 2016 when he was called up for the West Indies T20I series. Though he didn’t cement a regular spot, his Test debut came later that year against England. He scored a gritty 81 in his first Test innings at Trent Bridge, hinting at potential . However, inconsistent performances limited his opportunities.
- ODIs : 16 matches, 437 runs at an average of 31.21, with a highest score of 85 against New Zealand * (2017).
- T20Is : 5 matches, with a best of 42 against the West Indies * (2016).
By 2025, Nair’s focus shifted to India ‘A’ selection , aiming for a Test comeback 10. His domestic resurgence in 2024–25 reignited hopes of a return to the national fold.
IPL Career: Struggles and Comebacks
Nair entered the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2012 with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) but struggled to make an impact initially. After a brief stint with Rajasthan Royals (2014) , he resurfaced in 2025 with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) , where he played a match-winning innings against Mumbai Indians on April 16, 2025 . This knock marked his first IPL fifty in seven years , reigniting his T20 career .
- IPL Stats (as of 2025) : 50+ matches, 1,100+ runs at an average of ~22, with a strike rate of 115.
- Key Moment : A fearless 72* off 48 balls against Jasprit Bumrah in 2025, showcasing his ability to counter express pace .
Despite limited opportunities, Nair’s technical soundness and temperament remain assets in franchise cricket.
Strong Zones
- Domestic Dominance : His nine centuries in the 2024–25 season highlighted his adaptability to Indian conditions .
- Opening the Batting : As a right-handed opener, Nair excels in negotiating new-ball threats and stabilizing innings.
- Fight Against Spin : His footwork and ability to rotate the strike against spinners make him a valuable asset in subcontinental conditions.
- Clutch Performances : The 2025 IPL innings against Bumrah exemplifies his composure under pressure .
Legacy and Impact
Karun Nair’s career is a testament to perseverance. While injuries and competition limited his international exposure, his domestic consistency kept him relevant. His 2025 IPL resurgence has reignited discussions about his Test potential, with experts lauding his “never-say-die” attitude .
Though he may never have achieved the stardom of his peers, Nair remains an inspiration for cricketers battling adversity. His journey underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in modern cricket. As of 2025, he continues to defy odds, aiming to etch his name in Indian cricket history .
Karun Nair Career Stats
Batting & Fielding
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 6 | 7 | 1 | 374 | 303* | 62.33 | 506 | 73.91 | 1 | 0 | 41 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
| ODIs | 2 | 2 | 0 | 46 | 39 | 23.00 | 88 | 52.27 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 114 | 183 | 16 | 8211 | 328 | 49.16 | 15672 | 52.39 | 23 | 36 | 1012 | 44 | 97 | 0 |
| List A | 107 | 97 | 21 | 3128 | 163* | 41.15 | 3505 | 89.24 | 8 | 14 | 330 | 53 | 45 | 0 |
| T20s | 170 | 155 | 17 | 3616 | 111 | 26.20 | 2654 | 136.24 | 2 | 22 | 362 | 124 | 68 | 0 |
Bowling
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 6 | 2 | 12 | 11 | 0 | – | – | – | 5.50 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 2 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| FC | 114 | 72 | 1545 | 844 | 15 | 2/10 | 2/10 | 56.26 | 3.27 | 103.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 107 | 43 | 976 | 832 | 16 | 2/16 | 2/16 | 52.00 | 5.11 | 61.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20s | 170 | 11 | 85 | 100 | 4 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 25.00 | 7.05 | 21.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Karun Nair T20 Stats
Batting & Fielding
| Tournament | Teams | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL | 4 teams | 83 | 75 | 5 | 1650 | 89 | 23.57 | 1259 | 131.05 | 0 | 11 | 180 | 47 | 25 | 0 |
Bowling
| Tournament | Teams | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL | 4 teams | 83 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Debut/Last Matches of Karun Nair
Test Matches
Debut
India vs England at Mohali – November 26 – 29, 2016
Last
India vs Australia at Dharamsala – March 25 – 28, 2017
ODI Matches
Debut
Zimbabwe vs India at Harare – June 11, 2016
Last
Zimbabwe vs India at Harare – June 13, 2016
FC Matches
Debut
Punjab vs Karnataka at Hubballi – December 14 – 17, 2013
Last
Vidarbha vs Kerala at Nagpur – February 26 – March 02, 2025
List A Matches
Debut
Goa vs Karnataka at Bengaluru – February 20, 2012
Last
Karnataka vs Vidarbha at Vadodara – January 18, 2025
T20 Matches
Debut
Goa vs Karnataka at Shimoga – March 17, 2013
Last
DC vs SRH at Hyderabad – May 05, 2025
2025 IPL TEAM
Delhi Capitals Sunrisers Hyderabad Rajasthan Royals Chennai Super kings Gujrat Titans Kolkata knight Riders Lucknow Super Giants Mumbai Indians Punjab Kings Royal Challengers Bengaluru