Karun Nair had approached the Kerala Cricket Association a couple of seasons offering to play for them but was reportedly turned down by the board. Cut to Ranji Trophy 2024/25, not only did the Vidarbha batter finish as the fourth highest run-getter in the tournament but also played a crucial role in helping Vidarbha defeat Kerala to lift their 3rd title. KCA’s mistake of not accepting Nair’s request came back to haunt them at the biggest stage, especially when they made it to their first Ranji finals in 74 years.
Kerala “weren’t sure where to accomadate Karun Nair”
As per Times of India, KCA president Jayesh George said that Kerala wasn’t sure where to accomadate Karun when he approached the board. After playing ten seasons for Karnataka, the batter was dropped from the side in 2022. He then recieved an NOC to play for another state after which he had approached the KCA. Nair’s family hails from Chengannur in Kerala’s Alappuzha district.
“Nair had approached us after obtaining an NOC from Karnataka. Sanju Samson was our captain and we had another Karnataka player, Shreyas Gopal, in the mix. So we were not sure where to accomadate him,” Jayesh George said.
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Defending KCA’s decision, president Jayesh George claimed that no one had questioned the board earlier when Nair wasn’t making runs. He claimed questions were now being asked because he emerged as one of the highest run-scorers in Ranji Trophy. Geroge added that he was very happy for Karun for playing well in the final against Kerala.
“Nobody asked us the question last season. Now, when Karun scored big runs this year, everyone is saying we could have got him playing for Kerala,” George added.
| Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
| 9 | 16 | 863 | 135 | 53.93 | 4 | 2 | 97 | 10 |
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