Karun Nair slams century in Ranji Trophy after Test snub
What's the story
Karun Nair, the 33-year-old batter, has made a strong case for his return to the Indian Test team. The Karnataka batter scored a brilliant century against Goa on Day 2 of the ongoing Ranji Trophy match in Shimoga. The innings came less than a month after Nair was dropped from the Indian Test squad for the West Indies series. He had scored 73 runs in his first match for Karnataka after moving from Vidarbha.
Match performance
Nair saves the day for Karnataka
Karnataka were in trouble at 65/4 when Nair came to bat. However, he stood firm and took his team out of danger with a brilliant century. He reached the three-figure mark on Day 2 morning, marking his 25th hundred in First-Class cricket. This innings is especially significant as none of the other top five batsmen managed to cross the 30-run mark in this match. Nair returned unbeaten on 86 on Day 1 before completing his hundred.
Stats
25th hundred in FC cricket
Playing his 122nd First-Class match, Nair has raced past 8,850 runs at an average of around 49. This was his 25th hundred in FC cricket (50s: 38). As per ESPNcricinfo, in 72 Ranji matches, Nair owns over 5,270 runs at 47.90. This was his 18th hundred in the premier FC competition. He has 19 fifties as well.
Return
Nair's return for England Tests
Nair returned to the Test fold for the England series earlier this year after a long gap of nearly seven years. He played four matches but only managed one half-century, which came during the final Test at The Oval. Despite getting starts and looking solid at the crease, he struggled to convert those into big scores that could have secured his spot in the team. Thereafter, the selectors dropped him for the following Test series against West Indies at home.
Future prospects
Nair could be recalled for South Africa Tests
Nevertheless, Nair's stellar performance in the Ranji Trophy has boosted his chances of being recalled into the Indian Test squad. He was dropped for the two-Test series against West Indies but could be considered for next month's South Africa Tests if a specialist batter gets injured. The squad for this two-Test series is expected to be announced sometime next week.