Karun Nair’s performance in the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy was nothing short of extraordinary. Leading Vidarbha, he amassed a staggering 779 runs, finishing the tournament with an astonishing average of 389.5.
Hindustan TimesThis remarkable feat included five centuries, underscoring his consistent dominance throughout the competition.
Nair’s journey in the tournament was marked by a series of exceptional innings. He began with an unbeaten 112 against Jammu and Kashmir, followed by scores of 44*, 163*, 111*, and 112. His prowess was further highlighted in the quarter-final against Rajasthan, where he scored an unbeaten 122 off 82 deliveries, propelling Vidarbha into the semi-finals.
Cricket OneIn the semi-final against Maharashtra, Nair continued his stellar form, contributing an unbeaten 88 off just 44 balls, helping Vidarbha post a formidable total of 380.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Nair’s campaign was his record-breaking streak of runs without being dismissed. He accumulated 542 runs between dismissals, surpassing the previous List A record held by New Zealand’s James Franklin, who had 527 runs in 2010.
ESPN CricinfoThis streak included four consecutive centuries, showcasing his exceptional consistency and concentration at the crease.
Despite his phenomenal individual performances, Vidarbha fell short in the final against Karnataka, losing by 36 runs. In this match, Nair was dismissed for 27, a rare failure in an otherwise flawless tournament. Karnataka’s victory marked their fifth Vijay Hazare Trophy title.
Nair’s extraordinary run did not go unnoticed. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded his performances, stating, “Scoring 752 runs in 7 innings with 5 centuries is nothing short of extraordinary… Performances like these don’t just happen, they come from immense focus and hard work.”
Hindustan TimesHowever, despite his prolific form, Nair was not selected for India’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar acknowledged Nair’s exceptional performances but cited the difficulty in finding a spot in the team, given the existing competition.
In summary, Karun Nair’s 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign was a masterclass in batting excellence. His ability to consistently score big runs, break records, and lead his team to the tournament’s final underscores his significant talent and determination. While team success narrowly eluded Vidarbha, Nair’s individual achievements have firmly re-established him as one of India’s premier batsmen in domestic cricket.