Karun Nair’s Inspiring Journey: Keeping the Dream of Playing for India Alive After Vijay Hazare Trophy Success

Bengaluru—Karun Nair is back in the spotlight after a long absence from cricket. He has scored five centuries in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, and now he feels hopeful about playing for India again after eight years.

Nair has put up impressive numbers—756 runs at an average of 756 for Vidarbha. This is a stark contrast to when he last expressed despair on social media, asking cricket for another chance. Now, he’s ready to seize the opportunity if it comes. The selectors are set to announce the Indian ODI squads for the upcoming matches against England and the ICC Champions Trophy. Will he make the cut? Only time will tell.

“The dream is always to play for the country,” he shared with PTI. “That’s why we play this game.” Despite the excitement, Nair is cautious. After facing significant challenges in his career, including moments when he struggled to find form, he knows not to get ahead of himself.

“This is my third comeback,” he explained. “I just need to focus on each game and score runs. That’s all I can do. The rest is out of my control.”

So, what changed for him? “Honestly, I’ve done nothing different. It’s years of hard work and just taking it day by day,” he shared. “I respect every innings I play.” However, he admits there were tough times when he questioned his future in cricket.

“I won’t lie; I was afraid. Anyone would be. But I never thought my career would end. I just wondered where I was headed,” he said. He decided to start over and give himself a few years to see where things would lead.

His move to Vidarbha has been a key turning point. “I’m grateful to the Vidarbha Cricket Association for this chance. They welcomed me like family,” he said. Former India fast bowler Abey Kuruvila played a crucial role in helping him join the Vidarbha squad.

Since making this switch, Nair’s confidence has soared. He has also performed well in tournaments abroad, including a double hundred in County cricket. In the last Ranji Trophy season, he scored 690 runs with two centuries, earning the captaincy of his team.

Despite these achievements, Nair remains grounded. “I haven’t forgotten my struggles. Each tough moment has made me stronger,” he said. He aims to keep improving as a cricketer and as a person every day.

Source link

Bengaluru,Karun Nair,Vijay Hazare Trophy,Indian jersey,Vidarbha