89, 0 and now 31 off 18: Karun Nair has played two good innings so far in IPL 2025. But his knock on Saturday in the GT vs DC clash demanded more from him. In sweltering Ahmedabad heat, he did all the good work, hitting the ball at a 172.22 strike rate, but could only score 31. He fell to former Karnataka teammate Prasidh Krishna and was livid at himself for throwing away the start. In his 18-ball stay, Nair had hit two fours and as many sixes.
However, despite playing a handy knock of 31, it will go down as a failure. With 7 more innings left in IPL and four more in the India A vs England Lions, Nair does not have long to make an impact and seal the spot in India’s Test squad.
Domestic exploits
Karun Nair delivered a masterclass in the 2024-25 domestic cricket season, pulling himself out from obscurity. For Vidarbha, Nair delivered across formats. He smashed a record-breaking 779 runs in 8 innings, averaging an astounding 389.50 with a strike rate of 123.55 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His five centuries, including a world-record 542 consecutive List A runs without dismissal, powered Vidarbha to the final.
In the Ranji Trophy, Nair’s 863 runs in 16 innings, with four centuries, made him the fourth-highest run-scorer. His 23rd First-Class ton in the final against Kerala, alongside a 182-run stand with Danish Malewar, clinched Vidarbha’s third title. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 255 runs at a strike rate above 170, with three fifties, showcasing his T20 flair.
Nair’s nine centuries across formats, including a County Championship double hundred, fueled calls for his return to the Indian team. His form earned a Delhi Capitals contract for IPL 2025, where he hit a fifty on debut. At 33, Nair’s sensational season signals a compelling comeback, with India A prospects looming.
A spot in IND vs ENG Tests?
His domestic exploits could have been enough to seal a spot in the India squad for England tour. However, in India, that’s not how it works. IPL 2025 holds immense value and Nair has delivered so far.
Nair is all set to travel to England with India A, immediately after the IPL final. Provided he does well for India A, he will return to India Test side after eight years.
India have a problem in the middle-order, they must solve. Nair could offer that solidity at No 5. While there are others who are competing for the No 5 spot, Nair’s experience and style of batting could push his case.
“The door is not closed for any deserving player. Ajit addressed Nair’s case before the Champions Trophy. We have the India A tour in June before the Test series. Nair will get his chance. He is an excellent player who lost his form. If he does well, selectors will definitely look at him. They are already keeping a tab on potential players for the India A tour,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.
Karun Nair in IPL Year-Wise
An IPL flop, Karun Nair has tried to reinvent himself in IPL 2025. Determined to do well, Nair slammed 89 off 40 balls. It was his first half-century in seven years of IPL. He also returned to IPL after three years.
| Season | Inns | Runs | Avg | S/R | 50s | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 2 | 9 | 4.5 | 75 | 0 | 9 |
| 2014 | 11 | 330 | 33 | 142.24 | 3 | 73* |
| 2015 | 12 | 181 | 16.45 | 124.83 | 1 | 61 |
| 2016 | 12 | 357 | 35.7 | 120.2 | 3 | 83* |
| 2017 | 13 | 281 | 21.62 | 124.34 | 1 | 64 |
| 2018 | 12 | 301 | 25.08 | 136.2 | 2 | 54 |
| 2019 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 83.33 | 0 | 5 |
| 2020 | 3 | 16 | 8 | 114.29 | 0 | 15* |
| 2022 | 2 | 16 | 8 | 88.89 | 0 | 13 |
| 2025 | 2 | 89 | 44.5 | 206.98 | 1 | 89 |
