Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Karun Nair

How Karun Nair built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Karun Kaladharan Nair is an Indian international cricketer, a right-handed top-order batter, and an occasional off-break bowler. He represents Vidarbha in domestic cricket and Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Notably, he is only the second Indian batter to achieve a triple century in Test cricket, marking a significant milestone in his career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2012: Part of Royal Challengers Bangalore

In 2012, Karun was a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

2013: First-Class Debut

In 2013, Karun Nair made his first-class debut in the 2013–14 season, during which Karnataka won the Ranji Trophy.

2013: Part of Royal Challengers Bangalore

In 2013, Karun was a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

2014: Ranji Trophy Title

In 2014, Karun Nair experienced a lean patch but bounced back, scoring 328 runs in the Ranji final, helping Karnataka win the title again.

2014: Breakthrough Season with Rajasthan Royals

In 2014, Karun Nair had his breakthrough season with Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, scoring 330 runs at a strike rate of 142.24.

2015: 500 Runs in Ranji Trophy

In 2015, Karun Nair scored 500 runs in the Ranji Trophy, including two centuries and two half-centuries.

May 2016: Named in Indian Squad

In May 2016, Karun Nair was named in the Indian ODI and T20I squads for their series against Zimbabwe.

June 2016: ODI Debut

In June 2016, Karun Nair made his One Day International (ODI) debut in the series against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club.

November 2016: Test Debut

On November 26, 2016, Karun Nair made his Test debut against England at Mohali. He later scored a triple century and was named player of the match.

2016: India Debut

In 2016, Karun Nair made his debut for India in an away ODI against Zimbabwe and his Test debut against England.

2016: Signed by Delhi Daredevils

In 2016, Karun Nair was signed by Delhi Daredevils after Rajasthan was banned from the competition.

2017: Captained Delhi Daredevils

In 2017, Karun Nair captained Delhi in 3 matches after an injury to Zaheer Khan.

October 2018: Named in India A Squad

In October 2018, Karun Nair was named in India A's squad for the 2018–19 Deodhar Trophy.

2018: Bought by Kings XI Punjab

In the 2018 IPL auction, Karun Nair was bought by Kings XI Punjab.

August 2019: Named in India Red Team Squad

In August 2019, Karun Nair was named in the India Red team's squad for the 2019–20 Duleep Trophy.

February 2021: Bought by Kolkata Knight Riders

In February 2021, Karun Nair was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL auction.

February 2022: Returned to Rajasthan Royals

In February 2022, Karun Nair returned to Rajasthan Royals in the auction for the 2022 Indian Premier League tournament.

2023: Played for Burbage & Easton Royal CC

In 2023, Nair played for Burbage & Easton Royal CC in the West of England Premier League - Prem 2 (Gloucs/Wilts).

January 2025: New World Record in Vijay Hazare Trophy

In January 2025, Nair scored 542 runs without getting out in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, creating a new world record.

May 2025: Reselected for India A

In May 2025, Karun Nair was reselected for India A after consistent domestic performances. He scored 204 runs against England Lions, reinforcing his inclusion.

2025: Played for Delhi Capitals

In 2025, Nair returned to the IPL, playing for the Delhi Capitals. His first game was against the Mumbai Indians, where he scored 89 runs off 40 balls.