Karun Nair once again made the headlines with a stunning century in the final of the Ranji Trophy, producing a statement knock for Vidarbha against Kerala. Yet, it was not only his batting that set tongues wagging—his celebration did so as well, having many speculate that it was an implied message directed at the Indian selectors.
Nair, in his match against Kerala, he was seen displaying fantastic composure while batting, completing his hundred off 184 deliveries. His whack, dotted with seven fours and two sixes, helped Vidarbha post 249/4 at stumps, increasing their total lead to 286 runs after Kerala’s first innings of 342. This century was his ninth for the season, and once he reached the landmark, he raised nine fingers towards the dressing room, a sign that soon became a talking point.
💯 for Karun Nair 👏
A splendid knock on the big stage under pressure 💪
It's his 9⃣th 1⃣0⃣0⃣ in all formats combined this season, and the celebration says it all👌🙌#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #Final
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaflpp pic.twitter.com/9MvZSHKKMY---Advertisement---— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) March 1, 2025
Nair has been in incredible touch, especially in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, in which he led the run charts with 779 runs in a mere eight innings. His record-breaking average of 389.50 and scorching strike rate of 124.04, with five centuries and a half-century, earned him one of the top performers of the tournament.
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In spite of his colossal performance, his position within the Indian team is uncertain. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Nair’s name was considered for the Champions Trophy team selection, but his inclusion within the existing framework continues to be an issue.