Karun Nair had an unforgettable return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), showcasing his talent with an impressive 89 runs off just 40 balls. This exciting performance was part of the match for Delhi Capitals against the Mumbai Indians held at Arun Jaitely Stadium on Sunday. Things started off rocky for Delhi when they lost Jake Fraser-McGurk on the very first ball of the innings. Nair stepped in at number three and played like a champ, almost leading his team to victory. Even though DC ultimately fell short, losing by 12 runs in a nail-biting finish, Nair’s batting stole the spotlight.
What makes this comeback even more remarkable is that it had been nearly three years since Nair last played in the IPL, and this innings marked his first fifty since a long time—almost seven years! Three years ago, he tweeted a heartfelt message asking for another chance to perform in cricket. He is known for being only the second Indian ever to score a triple-century in Test cricket, and fans have been hoping to see him back in the national team.
Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu sang Nair’s praises, applauding his determination to keep dreaming about playing for India again, a dream that is still out of reach for him. Rayudu, who used to be on the field but is now part of the commentary team at Star Sports, spoke about how tough it is for players to find their motivation again after being overlooked for selection. He said, It takes a lot of persistence because things can get really tough when you’re not performing at the national level. Many players face this, but only a few manage to bounce back, and Karun Nair is one of those few.
Rayudu acknowledged the challenges that come with working your way back up the domestic ladder after feeling sidelined. Once you are lost in the domestic scene here, making a comeback is really hard. That constant pressure can weigh on you, and often people will write you off, he pointed out.
He went on to explain how the world of cricket keeps moving forward quickly, but Nair has stayed committed to the game. “Yes, cricket changes fast, but Nair hasn’t given up. He has kept learning, working hard, and believing that he can return, especially to Test cricket. My sincere wish is to see him on a flight to England for the upcoming Test series,” Rayudu added.
Nair’s resilience and skill have not gone unnoticed, and many fans and former players are rooting for him as he continues to chase his dreams on the cricket field.
