Liputan6.com, Jakarta Indian international cricketer Karun Kaladharan Nair returned to the spotlight after an impressive performance in the latest Test match.
After a lengthy absence from Test cricket, he scored a crucial half-century for his team.
This performance marked the return of a top-order batsman known for his durability.
In late July 2025, Karun Nair featured in the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England at The Oval, London.
This match provided a platform for Nair to demonstrate his skills, especially after the Indian team had a difficult start.
His contribution helped the Indian team achieve a more consistent score on the first day.
At 34 years old in 2025, Karun Nair is not only a skilled right-handed batsman but also an occasional off-break bowler.
His comeback story has captivated many cricket fans, given his career, which has been filled with ups and downs, including a legendary triple century.
Complete Profile of Karun Nair
Karun Kaladharan Nair, born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on December 6, 1991, is one of India's most prominent cricket talents.
He is known as a right-handed batsman in the top order and occasionally plays as an off-break bowler.
Karun Nair began his domestic cricket career with Karnataka before moving on to play for Vidarbha.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Karun Nair has represented several major teams.
He has played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, and Kolkata Knight Riders.
In the 2025 IPL, Karun Nair returned to the Delhi Capitals, demonstrating his consistency in cricket's most prestigious league.
Karun Nair made his international debut in 2016, making his first appearance in an ODI against Zimbabwe and his Test debut against England later that year.
One of the most significant achievements of his career was becoming the second Indian player to score a triple century in Test cricket.
Karun Nair's highest Test score is 303* runs, a record that cemented his place in Indian cricket history.
Statistically, Karun Nair has amassed 394 runs in 7 Test matches and 46 runs in 2 ODI matches.
In the IPL, he has scored 1694 runs in 84 matches, including 11 half-centuries.
His most recent domestic performance in the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy was also impressive, with 752 runs, including 542 unstoppable runs.
Brilliant Comeback in Test Match
The fifth Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on July 31, 2025, at The Oval, London, was a pivotal moment for Karun Nair.
In this crucial match between India and England, Nair demonstrated his resilience under pressure. He entered the field when the Indian team was in a precarious position.
On the first day of the match, Karun Nair scored 52 runs unbeaten from 98 balls.
This was his first Test half-century in nearly nine years, or 3148 to 3149 days, since he scored a triple century.
This achievement was particularly significant considering his long absence from significant Test action.
Karun Nair's contribution was vital in helping India reach 204/6 at the end of the first day.
He formed an unbroken 51-run partnership with Washington Sundar for the seventh wicket.
This partnership ensured India crossed the 200-run mark, giving the team hope amidst the onslaught of England's bowlers.
The Spirit of Cricket and the Challenge on the Field
Karun Nair's performance in the match was notable not only for his score, but also for the "spirit of cricket" he displayed.
When England's Chris Woakes suffered an injury while fielding, Nair swiftly refused to take the fourth run.
This action received widespread praise from various quarters, demonstrating his sportsmanship on the field.
The pitch conditions at The Oval also presented a challenge for the batsmen.
With a green pitch and overcast weather, the English bowlers were able to exert significant pressure.
Despite this, Karun Nair was able to adapt and put in a solid performance, demonstrating his ability to cope with difficult situations.
Karun Nair's performance is proof that dedication and perseverance can pay off.
After a long absence from Test play, he made a convincing comeback.
This was not only a personal triumph for Karun Nair, but also an inspiration to many athletes struggling to return to peak performance.