Karun Nair sent out this plea on social media in December 2022, his career seemingly slipping through the cracks: “Dear cricket, give me one more chance.”
Once celebrated for his historic Test triple-century – only the second by an Indian – Karun had by then faded into obscurity. Dropped by Karnataka and overlooked for selection, he found himself cast adrift at just 31.
Fast forward to April 13, 2025: Karun, donning Delhi Capitals colours, walked out as an Impact Player against Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Chasing 206, he smashed a breathtaking 89 off 40 balls – his first IPL half-century in seven years, and a resounding reply to anyone who thought his story was over.
That innings was more than just runs. It was a statement. It was redemption. It was the reward for nearly three years of relentless domestic dominance – over 3,000 runs, 12 centuries across formats, a Vijay Hazare Trophy final, a Ranji Trophy win with Vidarbha, and outstanding stints with Northamptonshire in English county cricket.
For those unaware of his journey post-India exit, Karun had become a domestic colossus.
He moved from Karnataka to Vidarbha for better opportunities and exploded with form – 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy, including four centuries, and a jaw-dropping Vijay Hazare campaign where he amassed 779 runs at an average of 389.50. He also dazzled in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and continued scoring in England.
Despite this, Karun was left out of India’s Champions Trophy squad earlier this year. That stung.
According to Vidarbha head coach Usman Ghani, the snub left him “a bit upset” – until a calming chat with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar refocused his mind.
“He regrouped and performed again. You could see the hunger in his eyes,” Ghani recalled.
Karun’s IPL 2025 return couldn’t have been more cinematic. Facing Jasprit Bumrah – arguably the best white-ball bowler in the world – he unleashed a fearless assault.
He smashed two boundaries off Bumrah’s first over, then took him for 18 runs with audacious sixes and crisp timing. Tempers flared between the two after a mid-pitch collision, but the tension was later defused with a sportsmanlike hug, captured in a viral video.
Though Delhi Capitals fell short by 12 runs, Karun’s effort was the highlight of the match. Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali hailed his strokeplay, saying, “No one – not Kohli, not Rohit, not Buttler – has played Bumrah like that in the last five years. Karun Nair is a very big player.”
Yet, Karun is not one to rest on one good knock. Speaking after his return, he said the key was belief: “I trusted my instincts more than ever. It was about going out, playing each ball, and expressing myself freely.”
Despite a duck in the following game, the IPL spotlight is firmly back on him. And so is national attention.
With a five-Test India tour of England coming up – and Karun armed with two county stints and blistering domestic form – the timing seems perfect for a recall.
“He fits all formats. His preparation is meticulous. His fitness, game awareness and mental toughness are at an all-time high,” Ghani asserted.
Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar echoed this, calling Karun “an intelligent player who adapts to every situation”.
Now 33, Karun knows that opportunities at the international level may be scarce. But his resurgence is proof that talent, when backed by grit and consistency, cannot be ignored forever.
For a man once discarded despite a 303 not out, this IPL season might just be the beginning of Karun’s second coming — and maybe, just maybe, that one more chance from cricket has arrived.
