After returning to the Indian team, now Karun Nair has returned to the Karnataka team as well

After a significant journey through ups and downs, experienced Indian batsman Karun Nair has made his way back to his home team, Karnataka, for the upcoming 2025–26 domestic cricket season. This return comes after a productive stint with Vidarbha, where Nair had moved due to a dip in form that saw him excluded from the Karnataka side. During his time with Vidarbha, the right-handed middle-order batsman rediscovered his rhythm and put up consistent performances that brought him back into national reckoning. With Karnataka preparing for key domestic tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy, Irani Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Nair’s inclusion is seen as a major boost to the team’s batting lineup.

Karun Nair first made headlines in 2016 when he scored a historic triple century against England in only his third Test match, becoming just the second Indian to reach the 300-run mark in Test cricket. However, inconsistent performances and a lack of opportunities saw him gradually fall out of favor with selectors. He was dropped from both the national team and his state side, and by 2022, had left Karnataka to begin a fresh chapter with Vidarbha. The move turned out to be highly beneficial for him. In the Ranji Trophy, Nair scored 863 runs in the season, and followed that with 779 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. These performances did not go unnoticed, and in 2025, after nearly eight years, Nair was recalled to the Indian Test team.

However, his return to international cricket has not been as impactful as expected. On the current England tour, Nair has struggled to convert starts into big scores. His outings in the three Test matches so far have yielded scores of 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14. These modest numbers have led to growing pressure from fans and analysts, who are calling for young talents like Sai Sudharsan to be given a chance in the remaining Tests of the series. With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series and the fourth Test set to be played at Old Trafford, team management might consider making a change in the batting lineup. Nair’s spot is now under serious scrutiny, especially with the need for India to win and stay alive in the series.

Despite his struggles at the international level, Karun Nair’s domestic return is being viewed with optimism. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) welcomed him back, recognizing his maturity, experience, and technical depth as valuable assets for the team. The 33-year-old is expected to provide much-needed stability and leadership in the middle order. His presence will also likely benefit younger batters in the squad, who can learn from his resilience and work ethic.

Nair’s decision to return to Karnataka was influenced by personal reasons, but the timing also aligns well with Karnataka’s rebuilding phase. With several senior players moving on or nearing the end of their careers, having a seasoned player like Nair in the mix will help balance the squad. His ability to anchor innings and score big runs under pressure could be vital in Karnataka’s pursuit of domestic glory in the coming season.

Overall, while Karun Nair’s comeback to international cricket remains uncertain, his return to Karnataka marks a new chapter in his career. It reflects his commitment to the game and his determination to contribute meaningfully, whether on the international stage or in the domestic arena. For Karnataka, his homecoming could be the beginning of a strong campaign across formats, driven by a blend of youth and experience.