Karun Nair's Test debut: All you need to know about Karnataka batsman

The Karnataka batsman, Karun Nair, has finally received his long-awaited Test debut during the third Test between India and England in Mohali.

 

KL Rahul, who earlier missed two Tests and five ODIs against New Zealand, once again suffered an injury while fielding in the previous Test in the ongoing five-Test series against England.

 

 

The injury aggravated in the net sessions thereby ruling him out of the third Test, leaving India yet again in a baffle whether to do with Shikhar Dhawan, Gautam Gambhir or Nair. However, it was the 24-year-old, who got the green signal.

 

Here are 10 facts about the Karnataka batsman, who became the 287th player to represent India in the longest format:

 

Origin:

 

Nair, who was born in Rajasthan to Kaladharan Nair and Prema Nair - a Malayali couple, plays for Karnataka in the domestic circuit.

 

The beginning:

 

He began his career with playing for Karnataka U-15, 19, the senior team and then eventually bagged his place for India A and Team India.

 

IPL appearance before FC debut:

 

 

Nair bagged his first-ever contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the 2013 edition. Royal Challengers Bangalore bought him (RCB). The two games he played there ensured he was soon to be given his Ranji Trophy debut.

 

Read more: 

 

Ranji Trophy 2013/14:

 

 

He had a dream run in his Ranji Trophy debut as he played a crucial role in Karnataka's win, thereby ending their 15-year-old title drought. Nair smashed three consecutive centuries - in the final league game vs. Delhi, the Quarter Final vs. UP & in the semis v Punjab to take Karnataka into the final.

 

Ranji Trophy 2014/15:

 

 

The top-order batsman impressed with his consistency as he carried the momentum into the next season of Ranji Trophy. He finished the 2014/15 season as Karnataka's third highest run-scorer with 709 runs in 10 matches, helping his side to win a second consecutive and overall eighth Ranji Trophy title.

 

Poor India debut:

 

 

Nair failed to grab the opportunity when he was picked for the Zimbabwe tour. He played two ODIs, scoring 7 and 39 before being dropped from the final game.

 

Survived death:

 

The cricketer had a narrow escape when a snake boat in which around 100 persons including Nair were travelling, capsized in Kerala's river Pampa. He took part in a temple festival with his family as Thanksgiving for bagging an ODI debut.

 

Tendulkar and Dravid's role:

 

 

Hats off to this man for his contribution to the game of Cricket. Cricket will always Remember You. #27yearsofSachin @sachin_rt

— Karun Nair (@karun126) November 15, 2016

 

 

Nair revealed in an interview recently that he idolised Sachin Tendulkar since his childhood but later he started looking up to Rahul Dravid too. "You have everything to play international cricket. Don’t change a thing in how you play": these words from Dravid were priceless to Nair.

 

Test debut:

 

 

Young Karun Nair to make his Test debut. Proud moment as he receives the Test cap from Mr.Sunil Gavaskar #TeamIndia #INDvENG

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 26, 2016

 

 

Ever since India's long home season was kicked off earlier this year, there have been a series of injury. Another Karnataka batsman, KL Raul, has been the most unfortunate cricketer, who has suffered an injury for a second time this season, making way for his state-mate to play his first Test.

 

Team represented:

 

Karun Nair has so far played for India, Delhi Daredevils, India A, India U-19s, Karnataka, Karnataka State Cricket Association Colts XI, Karnataka State Cricket Association XI, Karnataka U-15s, Karnataka U-19s, Mangalore United, RR, RCB and South Zone.