‘Finding way back to Test cricket’ – Karun Nair exudes confidence of India return amidst good form

Out of favour Indian batter Karun Nair is looking to make his comeback to the national side ahead of the huge season. The 32-year-old last played for India 7 years ago before being sensationally dropped despite scoring a triple ton. 

Karun Nair has been in great form with the bat after moving to Vidarbha. The right-handed batter is currently playing in the Maharaja T20 League for Mysuru Warriors. The batter scored 124 not out from just 48 balls with the help of 13 fours and 9 sixes. 

While speaking to ESPNCRICINFO, the batter was hopeful of making a return to the national side. “They say a player peak at 30-31, I would like to believe that's true in my case,” said Karun Nair. 

Strong numbers case for national return?

Karun Nair scripted history in Chennai when he became the second Indian batter to score a triple ton in Test cricket. A few indifferent performances later he saw himself being ignored and despite some decent performances he hasn’t been able to make his way back into the team. 

During his chat with ESPNCRICINFO, the 32-year-old also said, “The last one year has been good. After last year's Maharaja T20, I had a pretty good domestic season". Before playing in the Maharaja T20, Karun Nair had been plying his trade in the English domestic circuit. 

The batter also said, “If you told me at the start of last season that I would score these many runs, I would have taken that. I had been at home for a year, staved off opportunities, and when nothing worked out, I asked myself what I could do. So when I got the chance, it felt good to be able to contribute again.”

“The tough years have helped me push myself that much more. For me, the most important game is the one I am playing now. Be it a league game or a domestic game, I have learnt not to look far ahead." Further added Karun Nair. 

His biggest moment during the county season for Northamptonshire came when he scored an unbeaten double ton. Karun Nair also said that he is still motivated to make a comeback to the side. “I feel like I'm batting as well as I've ever done. I am in a good head space, I know where my game is. I am just making sure if I get opportunities, wherever it may be, the focus is on making the most of those chances so that I can climb up the stairs again.” 

Stating his wish to play Test cricket again, Karun Nair said “It's still exciting to wake up each morning and dream of finding a way back to play Test cricket. That keeps me going. I would love to win trophies; we missed out on the Ranji last year. I will try to correct it this year."

So far, Karun Nair has played 6 Test matches for India scoring 374 runs with the best of 303 not out. The batter has also played 2 ODI matches scoring 46 runs with a best of 39. In the Maharaja T20, Karun Nair has scored 222 runs with an average of 74 including his century in the last match.