Once a Triple Centurion, Then Forgotten

It was back in 2016 when Karun Nair shocked the world with a stunning 303 against England* in Chennai. In just his third Test match, he entered an elite club of triple-centurions—alongside legends like Sehwag and Lara. Everyone thought India had found their next big middle-order star. But that dream soon faded. Despite such a glorious start, Karun Nair disappeared from the playing XI. Over the years, his name appeared on squad lists but rarely in the final eleven. From being called “the future of Indian batting,” he quietly became just a “backup option.”

The Wait: 3,000+ Days of Silence

For 3,148 days, Karun Nair didn’t score a single Test fifty. That’s more than 8 years—a lifetime in international cricket. Young players came and went, many got chances, some made careers. Nair waited patiently. He kept grinding in domestic cricket, performing in Ranji Trophy, scoring quietly without headlines. But the Indian team had moved on—or so it seemed.

Oval Test 2025: A New Dawn

Then came the Oval Test in July 2025. India were 2-2 in the five-match series against England. Key players like Jasprit Bumrah were rested. The team needed someone dependable at No.6. And in came Karun Nair. This was his chance. Perhaps his last chance. On a challenging Day 1, where England’s pacers were dominating, Karun Nair stood firm. While others fell around him, he scored a gritty 52 not out. No flash, no drama—just calm, calculated batting. He took blows, played late, and showed maturity that only experience brings. By the end of the day, Nair had helped India reach 204/6, giving them hope in a low-scoring match.

Emotions Overflow: Viral Video with KL Rahul

Just days before this, Karun was dropped from the Manchester Test. A video surfaced showing KL Rahul hugging and comforting a teary-eyed Nair. It revealed the pain players carry—the heartbreak of being so close to playing, yet being ignored. That emotional moment touched millions online. And when Karun finally got his chance at The Oval, the world was rooting for him.

Praise from Peers, Questions from Critics

His performance didn’t go unnoticed. Dinesh Karthik said:

• If this match didn’t happen, Karun’s career would have ended. Today, he showed he still belongs.”

But not everyone was happy. Some questioned the selection. Why wasn’t Abhimanyu Easwaran given a chance instead? Even his father publicly asked why his son keeps warming benches while others get repeated chances.

The debate continues—but for Karun, the answer came with the bat.

So, What’s Next for Karun Nair?

One half-century won’t guarantee him a long stay in the team. But it keeps the door open. That’s all Karun ever needed—a door that wasn’t shut forever.

He’s still just 33. With his calm approach, vast domestic experience, and hunger to prove himself, Karun could still write a second chapter in his international career.

Final Thoughts

Karun Nair’s story isn’t just about cricket. It’s about patience, resilience, and never giving up. In a world that forgets fast, Karun reminded everyone that class is permanent—and every player deserves a fair chance. For fans of Indian cricket, his comeback is more than just a fifty. It’s a silent roar from a player who never gave up, even when the world stopped watching.