Karun Nair is creating waves in the cricketing world with his outstanding performance in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 33-year-old’s remarkable form has been a driving force behind Vidarbha’s progress to the competition’s final. Nair has amassed an incredible average of 752 in the tournament, and in eight matches, he has been dismissed only once. Out of the seven innings he has batted, Nair has crossed 50 on six occasions, with his lowest score being an unbeaten 44.
Despite his remarkable run, former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik feels that Nair’s chances of making the Champions Trophy squad are slim. The 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy will be announced on Sunday, January 19, and the debate around including Karun Nair has been intensifying due to his sensational form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
“Karun Nair, it’s been incredible to witness your form. Even Mayank Agarwal has been in excellent form. The key point is that this is happening at a time when the Indian ODI setup is almost finalized, and there can’t be too many changes. It’s certainly tempting to include Karun Nair in the setup, and I believe he has earned the right to be part of the conversation,” Dinesh Karthik said.
Though Karthik acknowledges Nair as a “gun player” and praises his consistent performance, he remains doubtful about the batter’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad. “”However, I don’t believe he’ll be included in the Champions Trophy squad. But if he keeps going like this, why not? A form batter like that who plays fast and spin well, he’s a gun player, and I’m very happy for him,” Karthik commented.
Nair’s powerful knock of 88 runs off just 44 balls in the semi-final against Maharashtra helped Vidarbha post a formidable total of over 350 runs. Vidarbha went on to defeat Maharashtra by 69 runs, restricting them to 311/7 in 50 overs.
With Vidarbha now set to face Karnataka in the final on Saturday, January 18, at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, Nair’s stellar form continues to be the talk of the tournament. However, whether this form will translate into a Champions Trophy spot remains to be seen.