**Karun Nair Slams Ranji Trophy Half-Century After Test Snub: Stats and Analysis**
*By Rajdeep Saha | October 15, 2025, 07:26 PM*
—
The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season kicked off with a strong showing from Karnataka against Saurashtra at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. A crucial partnership between Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair laid the foundation for Karnataka’s solid position at the end of Day 1.
Padikkal impressed with 96 runs, while Nair contributed a patient and well-crafted 73. Together, they forged an important third-wicket partnership of 146 runs after early dismissals of captain Mayank Agarwal and S. Nikin Jose, helping Karnataka reach 295 for 5 by stumps.
### Partnership Brings Stability to Karnataka’s Innings
Saurashtra’s bowling attack, spearheaded by skipper Jaydev Unadkat, initially put pressure on Karnataka’s top-order. However, Padikkal and Nair steadied the innings through smart shot selection and effective strike rotation. Their partnership was eventually broken by Dharmendra Jadeja, who trapped Nair leg before wicket.
### Nair’s 38th Half-Century in First-Class Cricket
Karun Nair’s innings, comprising 73 runs off 126 balls with 9 fours, marked his 38th half-century in First-Class (FC) cricket, alongside 24 centuries. Playing his 121st FC match, Nair has amassed 8,748 runs at an impressive average around 49.
Specifically, in the Ranji Trophy, Nair’s record remains strong with 5,174 runs from 71 matches (118 innings) at an average of 47.90. This included 19 half-centuries and 17 centuries in the premier domestic competition.
### Test Career Recap: Nair Dropped After England Tour
Karun Nair recently made a much-anticipated return to India’s Test squad during the England tour after nearly seven years. Despite featuring in four Tests, he managed just one half-century, scored in the final match at The Oval.
While Nair demonstrated solid technique and got starts consistently, he struggled to convert those into big scores that could cement his spot in the side. Consequently, the selectors omitted him from the two-Test home series against the West Indies.
### Performance Breakdown: England Tour Test Matches
– **Headingley (Leeds):** Scores of 0 and 20
– **Birmingham:** Scores of 31 and 26
– **Lord’s (3rd Test):** Scores of 40 and 14
– **Manchester:** Dropped for 4th Test
– **The Oval (Final Test):** Scores of 57 and 17
Across these four Tests (eight innings), Nair amassed 205 runs at an average of 25.62. Overall, he has scored 579 runs in 10 Test matches, which form part of his 8,748 First-Class runs.
—
Despite his recent Test setback, Karun Nair’s performance in domestic cricket remains commendable. His solid half-century in the Ranji Trophy opener underlines his determination to press for another chance at the highest level.
*Stay tuned for more updates on the Ranji Trophy and Karun Nair’s cricketing journey.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/karun-nair-hammers-73-for-karnataka-in-ranji-opener/story
