Credit: BCCI
Vidarbha middle-order batter Karun Nair was seen celebrating his ton in a unique way during the final of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 between his side and Kerala at Jamtha. The right-handed batter showed nine through his fingers towards the dressing room to deliver the message he has notched up nine centuries in the season thus far. On the fourth day of the match, he came to the crease when Vidarbha lost their openers Parth Rekhade and Dhruv Shorey at a score of seven in the second innings. Nair looked patient with his bat and stitched an 182-run stand with Danish Malewar. However, Malewar lost control and departed after scoring an impactful 73 off 162.
Nair neutralised Kerala’s confidence with his magnificent hundred which came in 184 deliveries. This marked Nair’s fourth ton in Ranji Trophy finals since his first-class debut for Karnataka in December 2013. Earlier, the right-handed batter broke into record books for reaching 8000 runs in first-class cricket. Nair concluded his day with an unbeaten 132. His valiant batting effort has helped Vidarbha take a 286-run lead at the end of the competition.
Nair’s batting brilliance has headed Vidarbha towards their third title
If the game between both sides ends in a draw, Vidarbha will be lifting the coveted trophy for the third time. Nair is Vidarabha’s highest run-getter in this competition as he has notched up 860 runs in 16 innings of nine games. The 33-year-old has also produced four hundreds and a couple of fifties from his bat.
In 2016, Nair became the second India batter to score 300 in a Test innings after playing an unbeaten knock of 303 against England in Chennai. However, he disappeared from international cricket after failing to be effective with his bat during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2016-17. Nair made his last Test appearance for India against Australia at Dharamsala in March 2017. His current form is attracting Team India fans’ attention as they feel the Vidarbha stalwart should be given another chance in the Test squad.
