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Karun Nair – India’s Triple-Centurion Who Stunned the World

Karun Nair may not have had a lengthy international career, but he forever etched his name in Indian cricket history with one remarkable feat—a stunning triple century. As only the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to score a triple hundred in Tests, Karun’s achievement remains one of the most memorable moments in Indian cricket. Though his appearances for India have been limited, his potential and consistent domestic performances continue to keep him in the spotlight.

Early Life and Cricketing Roots

Born on December 6, 1991, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Karun Nair later moved to Bengaluru, Karnataka, where his cricket journey truly began. Representing Karnataka at various age-group levels, Nair made a name for himself with a calm temperament, clean technique, and sharp game sense.

His steady rise in the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and India A tours earned him a Test call-up in 2016, during India’s home series against England.

Quick Facts About Karun Nair

Category Details
Full Name Karun Kaladharan Nair
Date of Birth December 6, 1991
Birthplace Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Role Middle-order Batsman
Batting Style Right-handed
Teams India, Karnataka, Rajasthan Royals, LSG, KXIP, KKR
Test Debut 2016 vs England
ODI Debut 2016 vs Zimbabwe

Career Stats Summary

Format Matches Runs Average 100s/50s Best Score
Test 6 374 62.33 1/0 303*
ODI 2 46 23.00 0/0 39
IPL 76+ 1,495+ ~24.7 0/10+ 83

*Stats as of 2025

Iconic Knock: 303* vs England in Chennai

In only his third Test, Karun Nair delivered one of the greatest innings in Indian Test history. During the fifth Test against England in Chennai (2016), Nair turned a maiden Test hundred into a triple century—a feat never accomplished by any Indian before him.

His 303 not out off 381 balls, laced with 32 fours and 4 sixes, was a stunning display of patience, shot selection, and resilience. This match-winning knock came when India needed a steady innings, and Karun delivered under pressure, becoming an overnight sensation.

IPL Journey and Franchise Career

Over the years, Karun Nair has played for several IPL teams, often stepping in as a reliable middle-order batsman and occasional captain.

IPL Teams:

  • Rajasthan Royals (2014–15, 2023–present)

  • Delhi Daredevils (2016–17)

  • Kings XI Punjab (2018–19)

  • Kolkata Knight Riders (2021)

  • Lucknow Super Giants (2022)

Notably, he captained Delhi Daredevils in 2017 for a few games and played several important cameos across franchises. His IPL performances have been marked by calmness and the ability to pace an innings well.

Strengths and Playing Style

Karun Nair is known for:

  • Classical batting technique rooted in traditional cricketing values

  • Ability to anchor innings during critical moments

  • Adaptability across formats, from long-form to explosive T20 roles

  • Mental composure under pressure

Whether it’s red-ball cricket or franchise-based T20 leagues, Nair has consistently shown his value as a dependable middle-order batsman.

Challenges and Comebacks

Despite a historic triple century, Karun Nair faced stiff competition in the Indian middle order and found opportunities limited after his initial stint. The emergence of players like Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer further reduced his chances. Yet, he remained unfazed.

Nair has consistently delivered in domestic cricket for Karnataka, keeping his name alive in national discussions. His hunger for runs and readiness to evolve make him a strong contender for an international comeback.

Domestic & India A Contributions

  • Part of multiple Ranji Trophy-winning teams with Karnataka

  • Key contributor in India A tours with strong performances in England and South Africa

  • Regularly scores big hundreds and double centuries in first-class cricket

Karun has built a reputation as a team-first player with the ability to play long innings and adapt to different match situations.

The Road Ahead

While Karun Nair’s international career hasn’t mirrored the explosive start he had in 2016, his talent remains undeniable. With good form in the IPL and Ranji Trophy, a return to India’s Test or ODI squad cannot be ruled out. Selectors often look for stability in the middle order, and Nair still fits that mold.

Follow Karun Nair on TheLiveCricketScore

Stay informed about Karun Nair’s latest matches, live scores, innings breakdowns, and cricket news on TheLiveCricketScore. Whether it’s a 90-ball IPL innings or a 200-run Ranji knock, follow Karun’s cricket journey—one comeback at a time.