Karun Nair – The Untold Story of India’s Triple Centurion
Karun Nair is not just another name in Indian cricket—he is part of a rare breed of cricketers who have scored a triple century in Test cricket. Yet, despite this monumental feat, his career has taken a roller-coaster path filled with highs, lows, and moments of sheer brilliance. In this detailed biography, we’ll dive deep into his early life, cricketing journey, major achievements, and where he stands today.
Early Life and Background
Karun Kaladharan Nair was born on December 6, 1991, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, to Malayali parents. His father, Kaladharan Nair, was a mechanical engineer working for the Indian Air Force, which is why Karun was born in Rajasthan. However, he was raised in Bengaluru, Karnataka, where his cricketing roots truly took hold.
From an early age, Karun displayed a natural talent for the game. He trained at the Koramangala Cricket Academy and was mentored by several local coaches who quickly recognized his potential. His love for batting was evident, and he developed a technically sound game that made him a mainstay in Karnataka’s domestic setup.
Domestic Career: The Foundation of a Solid Player
Karun Nair made his first-class debut for Karnataka in 2013, and he quickly made a name for himself. His performances in the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy were particularly impressive—he scored three consecutive centuries in the knockout stages, helping Karnataka lift the trophy.
His ability to adapt to different match situations, bat under pressure, and rotate the strike consistently made him one of Karnataka’s most dependable middle-order batsmen. Over the years, he became a regular in domestic cricket across all formats, representing Karnataka with distinction.
Some of his domestic highlights include:
- Consistent performances in the Ranji and Duleep Trophy.
- Key contributions in Karnataka’s back-to-back Ranji Trophy wins in 2013-14 and 2014-15.
- Leadership stints in domestic tournaments, showing his cricketing maturity.
The Record-Breaking Triple Century
Karun Nair’s name was etched into Indian cricket history on December 19, 2016, during the fifth Test match against England in Chennai. Playing in just his third Test match, Karun went on to score 303 not out*, becoming only the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to score a triple century in Test cricket.
This innings was not just historic; it was technically elegant and tactically brilliant. He batted for over 9 hours, faced 381 balls, and struck 32 boundaries and 4 sixes. What made it even more special was that it came at a time when India was looking for young middle-order options, and Karun emphatically answered that call.
His 303* also made him:
- The first Indian to convert his maiden Test century into a triple ton.
- The third player in the world to achieve this feat (after Bob Simpson and Sir Garfield Sobers).
Struggles with Consistency and Form
Despite his remarkable triple century, Karun Nair’s international career didn’t take off the way many had hoped. He was dropped after a few low scores and never really got a consistent run in the playing XI.
Between 2016 and 2017, Karun played 6 Test matches, scoring 374 runs at an average of 62.33. However, outside of his 303*, his contributions were modest. In ODIs, he never got a proper opportunity to cement his place.
Many cricket fans and experts questioned the management’s decision to drop him after just a few failures. Unfortunately, the intense competition for spots in the Indian team, especially in the middle order, didn’t help his case.
IPL Journey: A Mixed Bag
Karun Nair has had a mixed but eventful journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the years, he has represented several franchises:
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – where he began his IPL career.
- Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals)
- Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings)
- Lucknow Super Giants
One of his most memorable IPL seasons came in 2017, when he captained Delhi Daredevils in Zaheer Khan’s absence and played a blistering knock of 64* to seal a tense win. Although he never quite achieved superstar status in the IPL, he remained a reliable middle-order option for most teams.
Recent Years and Comeback Hopes
In the last few years, Karun Nair has been working hard in the domestic circuit to stage a comeback. He continues to be a key figure for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy and has also played in leagues like the Deodhar Trophy and India A matches.
His recent performances have shown glimpses of his class, and he remains hopeful of getting another shot at the international stage. At just 33 years old (as of 2025), Karun still has time on his side if he can stay fit and keep scoring runs consistently.
Personal Life and Off-Field Interests
Karun Nair is known to be a quiet, grounded individual. He married his longtime girlfriend, Sanaya Tankariwala, in 2020. Off the field, Karun enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family.
He also survived a near-death experience in 2016, when he nearly drowned while rafting in Kerala. That incident made him more introspective and grateful for life, something he has spoken about in interviews.
Karun Nair’s Legacy and Impact
While his international career might not have flourished the way many expected, Karun Nair’s legacy is secure—he will forever be remembered as one of only a handful of cricketers worldwide to score a triple century in Test cricket.
He has inspired a generation of young cricketers to believe that even a short stint at the top level can produce unforgettable moments. His story is a reminder that in sports, sometimes one inning can define a career, and that perseverance is key, even when opportunities are limited.
Conclusion
Karun Nair’s cricket journey is a tale of raw talent, historic highs, and the harsh realities of competitive sports. From scoring a triple century in only his third Test to struggling for a consistent spot in the national team, his story is both inspiring and bittersweet.
While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear—Karun Nair’s name will always hold a special place in Indian cricket history. And for fans who value resilience and class over just stats, Karun continues to be a figure worth cheering for.
FAQs: About Karun Nair
1. Who is Karun Nair?
Karun Nair is an Indian cricketer known for being the second Indian to score a triple century in Test cricket. He plays domestic cricket for Karnataka.
2. What is Karun Nair’s highest score in Test cricket?
His highest Test score is 303 not out*, achieved against England in Chennai in December 2016.
3. Has Karun Nair played in the IPL?
Yes, he has played for several IPL franchises, including RCB, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, and Lucknow Super Giants.
4. Why was Karun Nair dropped from the Indian team?
Despite his triple century, Karun was dropped due to inconsistent performances and the stiff competition for middle-order spots in the Indian team.
5. Is Karun Nair still playing cricket?
Yes, as of 2025, Karun Nair continues to play domestic cricket and is working towards making a comeback to the national side.
