Karun Nair, Profile Check

Karun Kaladharan Nair, an Indian international cricketer known for his right-handed batting, has had a remarkable journey marked by early health challenges, domestic cricketing triumphs, a historic triple century in Tests, and a strong presence in the Indian Premier League

SPORTS

8/1/2025

Karun Nair, Profile Check

Karun Kaladharan Nair, an Indian international cricketer known for his right-handed batting, has had a remarkable journey marked by early health challenges, domestic cricketing triumphs, a historic triple century in Tests, and a strong presence in the Indian Premier League.

Early life and beginnings

  • Born on December 6, 1991, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, Nair's roots are in Chengannur, Kerala.

  • His father, Kaladharan Nair, is a mechanical engineer, and his mother, Prema Nair, is a teacher.

  • A premature birth with weak lungs led doctors to recommend physical activity as part of his treatment, leading him to cricket at the young age of 10.

  • The family relocated to Bangalore, Karnataka, where Nair joined the Koramangala Cricket Academy in 2001 and was coached by Shivanand.

  • He attended Chinmaya Vidyalaya and later Frank Anthony Public School for better cricketing opportunities, and holds a BCom (Hons) degree from Jain University in Bangalore.

Domestic and international cricket

  • Nair's first-class debut in the 2013-14 season saw Karnataka win the Ranji Trophy, with Nair scoring three consecutive centuries.

  • He further showcased his talent in the 2014-15 Ranji Trophy, scoring 709 runs including a monumental 328 in the final, leading Karnataka to another title.

  • He made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in June 2016 and his Test debut against England in November 2016.

  • In his third Test match, he etched his name in history by becoming only the second Indian batsman after Virender Sehwag to score a triple century, achieving a remarkable 303 not out against England in Chennai in 2016.

  • He achieved this feat in just three innings, becoming the fastest batsman to score a maiden triple-hundred in Test history.

  • He has also played for various teams in the Indian Premier League, including Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils, and Punjab Kings.

  • In the 2024-25 season, playing for Vidarbha, he had a stellar run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 779 runs with five centuries at an average of 389.50.

  • He also played a match-winning role in the Ranji Trophy final for Vidarbha, scoring 86 and 135 in both innings and helping his team secure their third title.

Personal life and resilience

  • In July 2016, Nair survived a boat accident in the Pampa River in Kerala during a temple visit after his ODI debut.

  • He is married to Sanaya Tankariwala, a media professional, whom he got engaged to in 2019 and married in 2020.

  • The couple has two children, Kayaan and Samara.

  • Sanaya's support proved crucial during Nair's break from the IPL, acting as his pillar of strength during a challenging period.

Nair's life is a testament to perseverance and talent, marked by significant achievements in both domestic and international cricket. Despite the challenges, he continues to be a prominent figure in the Indian cricketing landscape.