Where is Karun Nair? The Youngest Indian To Score Test Triple Century

Imagine a young batter scores a triple hundred in his debut Test series but gets to play just 3 more international matches in whites after that. That's the story of Karun Nair, a youngster from Karnataka who fell out of the selectors' radar despite starting his Test career with a bang.

Born on December 6, 1991, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Nair's parents shifted to Bangalore, where his father also worked on the sprinkler system at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Karun was born a premature baby and his parents were advised to let him play sports as part of the treatment for his weak lungs.

His cricketing journey began in 2001 when Karun joined a local academy. He made his first-class debut in the 2013–14 Ranji Trophy season and scored 3 consecutive centuries, leading Karnataka to a title victory. In the next season, the 32-year-old struggled with the bat before owing the final with a mammoth 328-run knock to power his team to back-to-back triumphs.

Karun continued his golden form in domestic cricket, which finally earned him his maiden India call-up for the T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe in 2016. Though he didn't play any T20 games for India but made his ODI debut on that tour.

The longest format was the one that suited Nair's style of play the most, and he did get to showcase his skills when Karun was named in the Test squad against England the same year. His moment of glory came during India's 5th Test in Chennai when Nair did what only 1 Indian had achieved before, a triple hundred in Tests. His unbeaten 303 was not only a testament to his skill but also made him the quickest batter to hit a maiden triple-hundred in Test cricket history.

Nair’s innings were a masterclass in patience and technique. He faced 381 deliveries and smashed 32 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing his ability to drop anchor and battle tough situations.

Despite this standout performance, Nair’s international career did not reach the heights many anticipated. He struggled to maintain his place in the Indian team and didn't get many opportunities to showcase his talent.

Karun Nair has also been part of every IPL season since 2013 and represented 5 teams during this period. He went unsold during the IPL 2023 auction but was named as a replacement for an injured KL Rahul midway through the season. He, however, didn't get a game.

With cut-throat competition in Indian cricket, making a comeback to the international side seems a distant dream now but Karun hasn't given up on his chances just yet.

He has continued to grind and is trying to make a case for himself with his domestic performances. Nair also adapted his style of play to fit into white-ball cricket and his recent performance in the Karnataka Premier League has brought him back into the limelight.

The 32-year-old ended as the top run scorer in the domestic T20 league for 2 consecutive seasons. Karun scored over 500 runs in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons along with a combined 2 hundreds and 8 half-centuries combined.

His domestic success reflects his talent and dedication to the game, even if his international career has not been as illustrious.

Nair's story is a reminder of how fleeting moments of brilliance can sometimes be overshadowed by the ever-evolving nature of sports. His triple century remains a highlight, a shining example of his capabilities, and a moment that cricket fans remember with admiration. As he continues to play, his contributions to the sport are sure to be remembered and appreciated.