Thu Jan 16 15:50:14 UTC 2025: ## Karun Nair’s Stellar Vijay Hazare Trophy Performance Reignites International Hopes
**Baroda, India** – Karun Nair is making a compelling case for a national team recall with a breathtaking performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Vidarbha captain smashed an unbeaten 88 off just 44 balls in the semi-final against Maharashtra, helping his team post a formidable 380. This latest innings adds to an already astonishing run in the tournament, where Nair has accumulated seven unbeaten scores in eight innings, including four centuries. His incredible average now stands at a staggering 752.
Nair’s remarkable form has seen him become the first captain in Vijay Hazare Trophy history to surpass the 700-run mark, eclipsing Ruturaj Gaikwad’s previous record. His resurgence follows a period of relative obscurity after his Test triple-century in 2016. A move to Vidarbha in 2023, following advice from former Indian cricketer Abey Kuruvilla, proved pivotal in revitalizing his career.
Nair’s success extends beyond the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He also topped the run charts in the Maharaja T20 Trophy and performed strongly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Despite initial disappointment at not being selected for the Duleep Trophy following a strong Ranji Trophy campaign, Nair’s recent performances seem to have answered his own playful prediction – made during a podcast with Robin Uthappa – that he needed to score a century in every innings to regain national attention. His current form undoubtedly strengthens his claim for a place in the upcoming Champions Trophy squad.
First Piper 