After Champions Trophy 2025 snub, Karun Nair opens up on opportunity to play IPL after a 3-year gap

After Champions Trophy 2025 snub, Karun Nair opens up on opportunity to play IPL after a 3-year gap
Karun Nair of Northamptonshire throws the ball during the Vitality County Championship division two match between Northamptonshire and Yorkshire at The County Ground on May 27, 2024.

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Karun Nair's last IPL appearance was in 2022 edition.

Nair's last stint with Delhi franchise ended in 2017.

Nair has scored 1,496 runs from 76 matches including 10 fifties in his IPL career.

Veteran Karnataka batter Karun Nair has been in the selectors' radar as he broke records with his stellar run in recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. Nair did not make into India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad and wants to shift his focus to upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 fixtures. The in-form batter has a lot to look forward to including his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals (DC). He is thankful for the franchise for showing faith in him and wants to help them win their maiden IPL trophy. 

"Yeah, I'm really excited about getting back into the IPL with the Delhi Capitals. Really thankful to them for showing faith in me and giving me an opportunity. Now it's about me going out there and making sure that I grab that opportunity and do well for the team and make sure that I give my 100% and hopefully we can come away with a trophy at the end of the season," Nair told NDTVSports.

 

 

Nair was picked for his base price of Rs 50 lakh by DC on the back of his performance in state T20 league. The last time he played in IPL was in the 2022 edition. For Rajasthan Royals (RR), he batted at no.4 and contributed with a run-a-ball 13. He was dismissed by left-arm spinner Anukul Roy. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won the match by seven wickets.

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Nair's IPL career so far

He made his IPL debut in 2013 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He had his breakthrough season in 2014 for RR. He scored 330 runs from 11 innings at an average of 33 including three fifties. In IPL 2016, he joined DC and scored 357 runs from 12 innings, his best IPL season in terms of runs. In IPL 2018, he moved to Punjab Kings (PBKS) and scored 301 runs from 12 innings. In the next two seasons, he did not get enough chances. In 2022, he played just three games for RR. He has never been part of the squad which won the IPL trophy. 

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Nair set for Ranji clash 

Before the IPL return, he will be seen taking the field in Vidarbha's next clash against Rajasthan. They match will take place at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur starting on January 23. Their next match is against Hyderabad at Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur. Vidarbha are currently at the top of Elite Group B with four wins from five games.