Chennai: Kaurn Nair, although pleased, managed to hold his composure even after scoring his first triple ton and third from Indian batsman to achieve such a feat here on Monday.
"(This is the) Best knock I’ve played in my life. (There were) many situations in the middle when I had to play differently, with KL Rahul, R Ashwin and Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja). I have to thank them for supporting me, egging me on,” said Karun in an interview with BCCI.TV
“The first hundred is always important and I think when I got the first hundred, I didn't feel any pressure. I was just playing my shots after that," added Karun.
The Karnataka batsman played quite a few sweep strokes, conventional and reverse, in his 381-ball innings.
Talking about that, Karun said: "Sweep comes naturally to me, I've worked on it a lot, it's my go-to shot and it just came off today.”
While Karun became the sixth youngest batsman to score a triple ton, his parents watched it from the stands. “My dad watches most of my games. No extra pressure on me. I'd like to thank them for coming over. I think they should be proud of me,” said Karun.
The 2016 has been an eventful year for the 25-year-old. While he made his international debut this year, he managed escape a tragedy after the snake boat he was travelling in capsized in July in Pathanamathitta, Kerala. Karun along with others were engaged in temple festival, "Valla Sadya', a celebration of the Sree Parthasarathy Temple.
“I didn't know how to swim. People there rescued me and I was lucky to live again,” said Karun about the fateful day.
Karun also thanked team management after it decided to hold on to declaration as he approached the 300-run mark.
“The message was to attack in the third session. We had a set overs to declare on, but when I got closer to 300, they pushed it back. I'm thankful to the team management,” Karun said.
While Karun managed to score his maiden triple ton, his Karnataka and Team India colleague fell on 199 on Sunday. Karun though backed Rahul to get the double ton soon, before expressing hope that the pitch will assist India on Day 5 on Tuesday.
“Rahul is a good player. He'll get his 200 soon. The pitch is getting worse day by day. Hard for a new batsman. It's turning a bit right now, hope it turns more tomorrow," concluded Karun.
