Karun Nair's Ranji Trophy Heroics Spark Conversations Around Potential Test Recall

Image credits: Source Link

Karun Nair delivered a statement knock in the Ranji Trophy final, smashing a sublime century for Vidarbha against Kerala, which has sparked speculation over whether his celebration was a pointed message to the Indian selectors. Nair played with remarkable poise, reaching his hundred off 184 balls, and his innings was instrumental in pushing Vidarbha to 249/4 at Stumps, extending their lead to 286 runs after Kerala’s first-innings total of 342. This century marked his ninth ton of the season, and after reaching the three-figure mark, he did the nine fingers-gesture towards the dressing room.

Nair’s dominant run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy already turned heads last month, where he topped the tournament charts with 779 runs in just eight innings, boasting an astonishing average of 389.50 and a blistering strike rate of 124.04. With five centuries and a fifty, his form was undeniable, and while chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged that Nair’s performances had been discussed during the Champions Trophy squad selection, he hinted at the challenges of fitting him into the current setup. However, Agarkar did suggest that Nair remains in contention should injuries or loss of form open a door. The frustration of being sidelined despite consistent domestic heroics is not new for Nair, whose international career began with a flourish in 2016 when he became only the second Indian, after Virender Sehwag, to register a triple century in Test cricket.

Vidarbha's win in the Ranji Trophy final, which was their third title, was a testament to their incredible hard work and discipline throughout the season. The team under the captaincy of Akshay Wadkar and head coach Usman Ghani produced dominant performances throughout the Ranji Trophy season, which was split into two halves for the first time in its 90-year history. Vidarbha emerged as the best team across all four groups in the league stage, with six wins in seven matches giving them 40 points. The team's performance was a result of the collective efforts of all the players, including Nair, who finished as the fourth highest run-getter in the Ranji Trophy, making 863 runs in nine matches at 53.93 with four tons and two fifties.

The Ranji Trophy final saw some impressive individual performances, with Nair striking 86 and 135, and Danish Malewar finishing with 783 runs at 52.20 with two tons and six fifties. The 21-year-old Malewar struck 153 and 73 in the final, and was one of the architects of Vidarbha's win, along with Nair. The team's victory was a result of their ability to bat, bat, and bat, and they reached 375 for nine, with Nair making 135, Malewar scoring 73, and Darshan Nalkande chipping in with a 51 not out. The list of top run-scorers in the Ranji Trophy includes:

• Karun Nair - 863 runs
• Yash Rathod - 960 runs
• Danish Malewar - 783 runs
• Akshay Wadkar - 722 runs

India will return to the longest format in July when the side tours England for a five-match series, and Nair's latest century has only reignited conversations around his potential return to the Indian team. Nair has had experience in England, playing County cricket for Northamptonshire, and chief selector Agarkar admitted that Nair was on the radar. It remains to be seen whether India's second triple centurion in Tests gets a recall or not. Nair's focus is on performance rather than worrying about the future, and he has made it clear that his 'nine' celebration was directed towards Vidarbha's support staff and not the Indian selection committee.