Karun Nair’s Long Wait Ends: A Gritty Return to Test Cricket After Nearly 9 Years
From a triple century in 2016 to a comeback fifty in 2025, Karun Nair’s story is one of rare resilience in Indian cricket.
📅 A Nine-Year Wait Finally Ends
When Karun Nair smashed an unbeaten 303* against England in 2016, it seemed like India had found a new batting star. But after just six Tests, he was dropped and forgotten. For nearly nine years, he stayed away from the international stage.
In July 2025, Nair returned to the Indian Test team during the fifth Test against England at The Oval. Under pressure at 204/6, he crafted a gritty 52 — his first Test score above 50 since that historic triple ton.
📊 Career Highlights
- Test Matches: 9 | Runs: 505 | Avg: 42.08 | 1 triple century
- First-Class Cricket: 8600+ runs | Avg: 48.86 | 24 hundreds
- India A: Scored 204 vs England Lions before recall
🛤 The Journey Through Domestic Cricket
After his international exit, Nair switched to Vidarbha in 2023, scoring over 860 runs in the 2024–25 Ranji season. He also performed in county cricket for Northamptonshire and made an IPL return with Delhi Capitals, earning praise as a dependable impact player.
💬 What He Said
Upon his return, Nair shared: “I am back.” It wasn’t just a statement; it was a declaration after years of silence, practice, and perseverance.
🔥 Why This Comeback Matters
Karun Nair’s return isn’t just about runs—it’s about redemption. His journey reminds us how sport often forgets, but never permanently erases talent. His comeback fifty at The Oval shows he’s still got the class, and more importantly, the mental toughness.
🔍 Quick Timeline
- 2016: Debuts and hits 303*
- 2017: Dropped after just six Tests
- 2023: Moves to Vidarbha; shines in domestic
- 2024: County + India A success
- 2025: Returns to Test cricket with 52 vs England
This is not just a comeback—this is a statement. The Karun Nair chapter in Indian cricket isn’t over. In fact, it might just be getting started again.