Karun Nair’s return to the India ‘A’ squad is not just a selection—it’s a second chance at rewriting his narrative. Few players have experienced the kind of highs he has, and even fewer have faced the sort of abrupt exits he endured
As he gears up to face England ‘A’ once again, the cricketing world waits to see if history can repeat itself.
For a man who once lit up Chennai with an unforgettable triple hundred, this could be the beginning of another beautiful chapter.
Karun Nair’s 303* was not just a knock; it was a masterclass in how to build an innings under pressure, seize momentum, and capitalize when on top. It had everything—drama, elegance, tension, dominance, and history.
Even though his international career didn’t flourish as it could have, the Chennai Test of 2016 will forever bear his stamp. For Indian fans, it was a day to celebrate a new hero. For cricket lovers, it was the birth of a timeless classic.
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Table of Contents
Karun Nair Returns to the India ‘A’ Fold
In a move that has rekindled hope among Indian cricket fans, Karun Nair, the experienced and stylish middle-order batter, has been named in the India ‘A’ squad for the upcoming series against England ‘A’.1
His return marks an important phase in his cricketing journey, as he seeks to re-establish his credentials and push for a place in the senior national team.
This selection is not just about form or numbers; it is about unfinished business and the burning desire to wear the Indian Test cap again.
For Nair, England remains a special opponent, not just because of the quality they bring to the table, but also because of the immortal innings he played against them in 2016.
A Forgotten Talent Resurfaces
Karun Nair’s international career has been a tale of unfulfilled promise. Despite being one of the few Indian batters to score a triple century in Test cricket, his stint with the national side was short-lived.
After making his debut in 2016 against England, he played just six Tests and was eventually sidelined from the team.
However, domestic cricket has continued to showcase Nair’s class. With India searching for middle-order solidity across formats, the upcoming A series presents an opportunity for him to remind the selectors of his abilities.
His experience and skill make him a perfect fit to guide and inspire the younger crop of players.
The Historic Triple Century: A Day to Remember
It was December 2016 when Karun Nair etched his name into the history books with an awe-inspiring triple century against England in Chennai.
Coming in at a crucial moment, Nair displayed immense patience, flair, and determination. His 303 off 381 deliveries* was not just a personal triumph but a performance that helped India register a dominant win by an innings and 75 runs.
Nair became only the second Indian cricketer after Virender Sehwag to score a triple hundred in Test cricket. In the process, he made a strong statement about his temperament and technique, which seemed tailor-made for the longest format of the game.
A Rocky Start Before the Glory
Interestingly, Nair’s path to that iconic innings wasn’t smooth. He wasn’t included in the playing XI for the first two Tests of the series against England. When he did get his chance in the third and fourth Tests, he failed to make an impression, scoring just 3 and 14.
The pressure was immense, the critics were skeptical, and yet, in the final Test at Chennai, Nair turned adversity into opportunity.
His triple ton came at a crucial time and served as a reminder of how unpredictable and beautiful the game of cricket can be.
Karun Nair: India’s Highest Test Total
Nair’s triple century wasn’t a lone effort—it was the bedrock of India’s highest-ever Test total.2
In reply to England’s first-innings total of 477, Nair, alongside KL Rahul (199), led India to a mammoth 759/7 declared. This record-breaking total stood as a testament to India’s batting depth and ability to dominate quality opposition.
Nair’s innings included 32 boundaries and 4 sixes, and it spanned over 560 minutes, highlighting not just aggression but also intense concentration and stamina.
Emotional Highs: A Family’s Pride
Following his landmark achievement, the emotional response from Karun Nair’s family touched the hearts of cricket lovers across the country.
In a video shared by the BCCI, his father Kaladharan Nair expressed how proud the family was of Karun’s remarkable feat.
“Hi Karun! We are very proud of you for your achievement and we wish you all the best for the future,” he said with teary eyes and a proud smile.
This moment became symbolic of the countless sacrifices and dreams of families who support cricketers behind the scenes.
Ravindra Jadeja’s Finishing Touch
While Karun Nair’s triple century grabbed headlines, the match saw another heroic performance—this time with the ball.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja produced a seven-wicket haul in the second innings, bundling England out for 207 and sealing a historic win for India.
The Chennai Test, thus, turned out to be a comprehensive team performance, but it was Nair’s bat that ensured India never needed to bat again. His 303* remains one of the most iconic innings ever played in Indian cricket.
Why Was Karun Nair Dropped?
Despite such a monumental achievement, Karun Nair’s Test career never really took off.3
After the 303*, he played a few more Tests but failed to deliver consistent performances. Competing with a crowded middle-order lineup featuring stalwarts like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rohit Sharma, Nair often found himself warming the bench.
Critics and fans alike have often questioned the logic behind dropping a triple-centurion so soon.
Was it a lack of opportunities or simply a case of poor timing? Whatever the reason, Nair’s exclusion remains one of the most debated topics in recent Indian cricket history.
Fast forward to 2025, and Karun Nair has another shot at redemption. The India ‘A’ series against England ‘A’ is more than just a few matches—it is a litmus test of his form, fitness, and mental strength.
At 33, he is no longer the youngster brimming with promise; he is now a seasoned campaigner ready to make the most of every single opportunity.
If he can replicate even a fraction of the magic he conjured in Chennai nine years ago, the selectors might find it difficult to ignore him for future senior team assignments.
Why the A Series Matters
- India ‘A’ tours have become a critical part of the team’s development pipeline.
- With the national team constantly undergoing transitions, these matches serve as proving grounds for players on the fringe.
- For Karun Nair, this series offers a stage to face quality opposition in challenging conditions and prove that he still belongs at the top level.
- Moreover, with India often struggling to find consistent middle-order batters in Tests, Nair could be the steady hand the team has been missing.
- Karun Nair’s cricketing story is one of extreme highs and puzzling lows. From the euphoric moment of scoring a Test triple century to the sobering reality of sitting out crucial matches, his journey has seen it all.
- The upcoming series may not offer the glitz and glamour of international cricket, but for Nair, it could be the stepping stone back to where he once belonged—playing under the lights, with millions watching.
- His fans, mentors, and well-wishers will be watching closely, hoping that he can once again rise to the occasion and let his bat do the talking.
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Remembering Karun Nair’s 303* Against England
The fifth Test of the 2016 England tour of India at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai etched a permanent mark in the annals of Indian cricket history.
Amidst a stellar Indian performance, one name rose above all: Karun Nair. The young right-handed batsman became only the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to score a triple century in Test cricket.
His unbeaten 303 remains one of the most memorable knocks by an Indian cricketer.
England’s Solid Start and India’s Response
England won the toss and batted first, posting a formidable 477 runs in their first innings. Joe Root, Moeen Ali, and Liam Dawson contributed crucial runs, giving the visitors a sense of control in the match.
With a flat pitch and long batting line-ups on both sides, the contest seemed poised for a run-fest.
India, in response, began their innings confidently. KL Rahul and Parthiv Patel combined to form a 152-run opening partnership. Both openers looked in command, punishing anything short or wide from the English bowlers.
Middle-Order Collapse: England Strikes Back
Just when India looked set for a dominant batting display, England pulled things back.
Patel departed for 71, followed shortly by Cheteshwar Pujara and then the in-form Virat Kohli. The Indian skipper, who had already amassed over 600 runs in the series, fell cheaply, leaving India at 211/3.
With three quick wickets falling, momentum shifted back to England. The pressure mounted on the incoming batsman, who was playing just his third Test.
Karun Nair Walks In: Calm Amidst the Storm
Karun Nair, relatively unknown on the international stage at the time, came to the crease under pressure.
With the hosts three down and still trailing by over 250 runs, the situation demanded resilience and patience. What followed was an innings of tremendous composure, elegance, and historical significance.
Nair’s early approach was measured. He got himself in by playing along the ground, rotating the strike, and respecting the bowling attack. He was not flashy, but he was confident—an essential quality for any Test cricketer.
A Partnership to Stabilize: Nair and Rahul Shine
Karun found an able partner in KL Rahul, who was in brilliant touch. The duo put together a 161-run partnership for the fourth wicket, steadying the innings and gradually building India’s response.
Rahul missed out on a double century, falling for 199, but his departure did little to shake Nair’s resolve. Instead, it set the stage for the Karnataka batter to take full control of the innings.
Karun Nair: Paid Partnership
Karun Nair teamed up with India’s one of leading health drink brands Boost, moreover promoting Boost’s milkshake through his social media account.
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Building an Empire: Support from the Lower Middle Order
After Rahul’s dismissal, Karun Nair anchored the innings and continued to grow in confidence. He received valuable support from Murali Vijay, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja.
These partnerships were crucial. With every stand, India edged closer to surpassing England’s massive first-innings total.
Nair rotated the strike well and began to open up with more aggressive strokes, especially against the spinners Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid.
Milestone After Milestone: Patient Yet Powerful
Nair brought up his maiden Test fifty off 98 balls on Day 3. He ended the day on 71*, leaving anticipation high for what was to come. On Day 4, he reached his maiden century off 185 deliveries—an innings built on grit and technique.
But the best was yet to come. He continued unfazed, reaching 150 and then progressing to 200. The acceleration from 150 to 200 was significant—indicative of a shift in intent. He started punishing the bowlers with increasing authority.
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