Karun Nair opens up about the ‘toughest’ phase of his career

Karun Nair has opened up on the toughest phase of his career. Nair admitted that when he was dropped out of the Karnataka team in 2022, it was mentally challenging for him. 

Nair has been in stellar form as he has aggregated 664 runs in six innings of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy while leading Vidarbha.

The right-hander has an astonishing average of 664 and he has batted with a strike rate of 120.07. The right-hander has scored five centuries in the 50-over domestic competition. Surprisingly, Nair was also dropped from India’s Test squad despite scoring a triple hundred against England in home conditions.

Karun Nair also had a good run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, scoring 255 runs in six matches at an average of 42.50 and an impressive strike rate of 177.08. 

“The toughest time for me was the end of 2022 when I lost my place in the Karnataka side. Mentally and emotionally it was very challenging. It took me few months to think about it and think what I should do going forward. Those few months really taught me an invaluable lesson to respect each day as a new one and respect each innings as a new innings, to got out there and make sure I give it my all and make sure I score as many runs as I can every innings,” Karun Nair said on X (on BCCI Domestic handle).

Nair revealed he was able to get through a difficult phase because of family and friends’ support.

“It was a help of my family and close friends that kept me motivated in the tough times. They were really pushing me on to keep following the process, going to the gym every single day, going for practice. Telling me that you’re just another opportunity away from trying to get back to the game that you love so much,” the right-hander reflected.

Speaking on his purple patch, Nair said he is very fortunate to be batting the way he is.

“Quite honestly I’m very fortunate to be able to be batting the way I am now. I believe that I’ve been someone who can play all around the wicket, play in all kinds of conditions. It’s been years of hardwork and practice,” he said.

Nair said change in his mindset has helped him savor success for his team.

“The way my mindset has changed is to finish the game off for the team and whenever I’m set make sure I go all the way and make the most of that inning,” he added.