Mohali: Over the past few years, Karun Nair has turned himself into a run machine in the age-group tournaments in the state domestic circuit. Given his proficiency and reputation, much was expected of the youngster when he was handed the Ranji Trophy cap this season.
Debuting against Punjab in Hubli, in the league stage, five weeks ago, Karun’s innings of 21 was marked by hesitation, anxiousness and was far removed from his flair and style.
The same stroke of luck (13 and 7 runs) continued in the high voltage clash at home against Mumbai, where yet again, Karun’s nervousness on the big stage was exposed.
But the 22-year-old, who turns out for the Vultures Cricket Club in the domestic competitions, came into his own with a century (105) against Delhi and then followed it up with another hundred in the quarterfinals against Uttar Pradesh.
Post the Mumbai failure, much has changed in the youngster, who looks confident and at ease.
On Monday at the PCA stadium, the 22-year-old proved why he is rated so highly with his unbeaten, stroke-filled 107.
Karun, who coped admirably well with the pressure on the day, later said, “I wanted to bat patiently and it worked. It was a good wicket to bat on, it was just the pressure they were putting on us that made the situation difficult.”
Reflecting on his initial failures, the fresh-faced youngster added, “I felt in my first three innings, I was anxious to score quickly, but it didn’t happen. I went back and practiced with the U-25 team. GK Anil Kumar pointed out a few flaws in my technique and style, I just worked on it.”
Speaking about his team’s chances of making it to the title tilt against Maharashtra, Karun said, “I would believe we’re in a dominant position.
“We have the team to go all the way but it’s not over yet, we need to bat as much as possible tomorrow and take it from there.”
