Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Vidarbha’s Karun Nair continues to impress despite facing ignorance from national selectors

Karun Nair, the Vijay Hazare Trophy hero, has continued his strong play for Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy as well. Despite a fantastic 779-run season with the bat, his calls were unheard by the national selectors. On Day 3 of the Round 7 match against Hyderabad, the star batsman hammered a spectacular century in the second innings.

Hyderabad took a huge lead because to Tanmay Agrawal’s amazing 136-run knock after Vidarbha, who batted first, could only muster 190 runs in the first innings. However, Vidarbha, who have already advanced to the tournament’s final rounds, came out firing in the second innings, with opener Atharva Taide scoring a strong 93 runs before being bowled out by Varun.

Karun Nair entered the game at number five after losing a few more wickets in the middle.

He not only helped his team overcome the deficit and make it a target that their bowlers could defend, but he also stabilised the innings. He scored 105 runs during his 193-delivery stint at the crease, including 14 boundaries and a six over the long-on area. He pulled Vidarbha out of any trouble and exited the middle even as Tanay Thyagarajan dismissed him.

Notably, Nair had already sparked discussions about his inclusion for the Men in Blue when India unveiled their Champions Trophy 2025 roster, but he was unable to make the final cut. Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, had explained that while the committee did consider Nair’s return, it ultimately fell through for lack of space.

Returning to the game, rookie player Harsh Dubey made a significant half-century to help keep the run flow going after Nair was dismissed. Rakshann broke through the batter’s defence to cause the eighth wicket to fall, ending Dubey’s time at the crease. Vidarbha currently leads by 211 runs and will try to add as many more before asking Hyderabad to chase the target. Hopefully, they can contain them on the last day before the competition’s business end.