Fri Jan 17 19:57:59 UTC 2025: **Veteran Cricketer Karun Nair Eyes India Return After Record-Breaking Vijay Hazare Trophy Run**

MUMBAI, INDIA – Vidarbha captain Karun Nair is reigniting his dream of playing for India after a phenomenal performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 33-year-old amassed a record-breaking 752 runs at an average of 752, scoring five centuries in the tournament. This remarkable turnaround comes after a three-year absence from the spotlight, a period during which Nair publicly expressed his desire for another chance at the national level.

Nair’s impressive run has placed him squarely in the conversation as India prepares to announce its ODI squads for the upcoming home series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy. While acknowledging the dream remains alive, Nair remains grounded, stating, “The dream is always to play for the country. But till it (selection) happens, it’s just a dream. It’s still not there yet.”

His resurgence follows a period of uncertainty and setbacks, including a prolonged slump in domestic cricket and the IPL. Reflecting on these challenges, Nair attributed his comeback to persistent hard work and a renewed focus on each game. “I’ve not done anything differently,” he explained. “It’s just years of hard work and persistence…taking each day as a new one and respecting every innings.”

Nair will lead Vidarbha in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final against Karnataka on Saturday. His performance in the final could significantly impact the selectors’ decisions. Whether his dream of representing India again will be realized remains to be seen, but his recent form certainly makes a compelling case.

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