Karun Nair Reveals He Wanted to Play for Kerala Before Joining Vidarbha in Ranji Trophy

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Karun Nair, the seasoned batter, has recently revealed that he had offered himself to play for Kerala when he was preparing to leave the Karnataka team. The 33-year-old shared that he had discussions with the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA), but nothing came of it, prompting him to join Vidarbha instead. This revelation has shed light on the circumstances surrounding his decision to leave Karnataka and join Vidarbha, where he has been a key player in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.

In 2023, while transitioning away from the Karnataka team, Nair explored various avenues for his cricketing future. He confirmed that he directly reached out to the KCA, expressing his interest in joining their squad. However, these talks did not go forward, and he ended up signing for Vidarbha. Recognising the urgency of making a decision, Nair opted to join Vidarbha, feeling that the timing necessitated a swift resolution, and the Vidarbha opportunity aligned with his immediate goals, leading him to finalise his move. The cricket community has been abuzz with this news, as Nair's decision has had a significant impact on the teams involved.

Since joining Vidarbha, Nair has experienced a remarkable resurgence in his career, establishing himself as one of the most consistent batters in the Indian domestic circuit. His standout performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this year, where he scored 779 runs in 8 matches at an impressive average of 389.50, turned heads. This remarkable form has made Karun a late contender for a spot in the Indian Champions Trophy squad. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy final in Nagpur against Kerala, Karun played a crucial role, scoring a vital 86 in the first innings. The match scores are as follows:

• Vidarbha: 379/10
• Kerala: 324/7

Nair's player statistics have been impressive, with a total of 779 runs in 8 matches, averaging 389.50.

Despite his current commitment to Vidarbha, Karun Nair has left the door open for a potential move to Kerala in the future. He is still open to representing the state at some point in his career, indicating a continuing interest in the region's cricket scene. The tournament schedule for the Ranji Trophy has been intense, with teams competing fiercely for the top spot. The team rankings currently stand as follows:

1. Vidarbha
2. Kerala

As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how the teams perform and whether Nair's decision to join Vidarbha will pay off in the end.

Karun Nair's story serves as a reminder that the world of cricket is full of unexpected twists and turns. As the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy continue to unfold, fans will be eagerly watching to see what the future holds for this talented batter. With his impressive performance and dedication to the sport, Nair is sure to remain a key player in the Indian domestic circuit for years to come.

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