Karun Nair Returns to Karnataka Ahead of 2025–26 Domestic Season

India Test batsman Karun Nair has received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Vidarbha Cricket Association and will rejoin his home state, Karnataka, for the upcoming 2025–26 domestic season. After a successful three-year stint with Vidarbha, where he played a pivotal role in their Ranji Trophy triumph, he is now set to return to the side he originally represented.

During his time with Vidarbha, Nair produced a rich vein of form. He scored a team-high 863 runs in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, including four centuries, one of which came in the final and proved match-winning. He also dominated the Vijay Hazare Trophy, finishing with 779 runs—scoring five consecutive hundreds and compiling a record-breaking unbeaten List A run of 542 runs.

These performances propelled Nair back into national contention and earned him a recall to the Indian Test side for the ongoing series in England, ending an almost eight-year absence. While his form on the tour has been modest—with scores of 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14—his domestic exploits have reaffirmed his standing as one of the premier batters in the circuit.

Karnataka officials have welcomed his return, seeing it as a boost to an already strong batting unit that includes names like Mayank Agarwal and Devdutt Padikkal. His presence brings experience, leadership, and added depth to the squad as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Nair's comeback also creates fresh competition for spots within the Karnataka lineup, adding intensity to their training and selection processes. With a mix of established players and emerging stars, the state will look to leverage Nair’s experience in their pursuit of domestic silverware.

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