Karun Nair made quite the impression on the cricket scene lately, proving he still has what it takes, even after a three-year break from playing in the Indian Premier League. He came back strong for the Delhi Capitals with a fantastic innings of 89 runs off just 40 balls during a match against the Mumbai Indians. It was a thrilling performance where he didn’t hold back at all, taking on even the famous bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Nair’s scoring rate was impressive, hitting at 222.50 during his innings. Even though his efforts weren’t enough to lead DC to victory in chasing down a target of 206 runs, he certainly caught the attention of many in the Indian cricket community.
What stood out was Nair’s approach to batting. He employed some flashy T20 techniques, including lap shots and reverse sweeps, and it seemed he added some new tricks to his game that he hadn’t shown before. This fresh take on batting helped him amp up his strike-rate, although he seemed to think he had always maintained a decent rate.
In the post-match press conference, one reporter brought up the subject of his strike-rate change. Nair shot back with a confident response, insisting that he never really had a low strike-rate. I don’t think my strike rate has ever been low. It’s always been high, he stated. But yes, I can agree that it’s a bit higher now. In the last two seasons, I’ve been batting well. It’s about confidence and executing the shots that you want to play. I don’t think I’ve changed anything; maybe I’ve just added a couple more shots, but I’ve always played the same way.
He went on to explain that it’s all about being able to hit the shots he wants and making runs, saying staying at the crease longer gives him a better chance to score more. Honestly, I haven’t changed anything. I’m just lucky things are working out for me, and I hope to keep this up, Nair commented.
Looking back, while Karun has come firing back in the 2025 IPL season, it’s interesting to note that his strike-rate in the 2022 IPL was around 88.89, and in the next two seasons, it hovered at 114 and 83. So, it’s clear that his mindset feels different now compared to a few years back.
I felt confident. I felt like I was ready to play in the IPL if I got the chance, Nair shared during the conference. I was doing what I needed to be prepared and waiting for my opportunity. Selecting the right 11 or 12 players is always tough for the team management, and I respect that. My job is to be ready and keep up the same process that has been successful for me, ensuring that I’m set to perform when called upon.
