Karun Nair believes the disappointing Test series against England was “frustrating” at the time, but it has also made him more determined to “convert” the starts when the opportunity presents itself.
With a ton of domestic runs already under his belt, Nair traveled to England and returned from the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with 205 runs from eight innings at an average of 25.62, including the highest-score of 57 at the Oval.
However, he scored 40, 31, 26, and 21 in a few of the other innings, showing a clear inability to convert strong starts.
“Nothing like that. It was not like I was trying to prove anything. You know, it sometimes happens that you get starts in most of the games and then you find a way to get out. So, it was just that case for me in England,” Nair told PTI.
But the top-order batter is now determined to set things right.
“I was batting really well throughout the series and I was getting starts in most games. I got to 30s and 40s. But I was just not able to convert it, which was frustrating for me more than anyone else. You know, I was reflecting on that, for me, to understand why that was happening and why I was getting out in 30s, 40s.
“You know, the one lesson which I have reflected upon is, you know, making sure that I convert the start that I get. I’ve spoken to a lot of people about it and they’ve given me some suggestions. I’m going to work on it very soon, so that, whenever I get a start next time, I can convert it,” he noted.
But Nair is happy to be a member of the team that ended up drawing the five-match series 2-2.
“It was an amazing series. For me, to be part of this amazing team was a proud feeling because not many teams have gone to England and levelled the series in five test matches. So, I’m really proud to be part of this amazing team. I’m looking forward to, you know, making more memories with this team,” he said.
Beginning with the series against England, Nair is certain that this new generation of players will do well in the current World Test Championship cycle (2025–27).
“Yes, we have made a great start. We played really well throughout the series. But it’s all about, you know, continuing this momentum and doing all the right things that we did against England. And improving on all the things that we need to improve on. So, we as players are trying to improve day by day as well and, hopefully, you know, we can do well in the current cycle,” he added.
Nair also noted the last series against England as evidence that India had the ideal mix in captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir to lead the side through the transition period.
“You know, the best part was that the messaging was clear (from Gill and Gambhir), and the communication to the team was always clear from them. We showed that we never give up and our attitude was to always keep fighting. And that was exactly the messaging that was given to us. And we all bought into that.
“And, you could see that attitude from the players and from the team out there during the series. Like I said, it’s just a start and I am sure that we are only going to improve on that. And hopefully, we can also work on the lessons that we have learned from the series,” he added.
India will shortly begin the home season with games against South Africa and the West Indies, but Nair would like to concentrate on his preparations than on selection issues.
“I am not looking too far ahead. I am just taking it day by day. Trying to, you know, work on everything that I can work on and on the learnings from the last series. And then, you know, as the time comes, we will know more about what’s going to happen. But for me, it’s just about working on myself day by day and improving every single day on my skills and my fitness,” he said.
Performing well for Karnataka in domestic cricket after rejoining them following two seasons with Vidarbha would be one of the main short-term objectives of Nair.
Karun is thrilled about the opportunity to mentor some young, talented understudies in the Karnataka ranks upon his return, including R Smaran and KV Aneesh.
“It’s all about helping the players whenever they need something and just being there for them and supporting them. So, for me, it’s quite simple. I just have to go out there and score runs and help the team. And whenever I feel I need to help someone or they need some guidance, I will be there for them to support them,” he noted.
However, it was extremely difficult for him to leave Vidarbha, a team with whom he experienced both individual and team success, including winning the Ranji Trophy.
“It was a very tough decision. But due to some personal reasons, I had to make that decision. But things at home were more tough. So, that’s why I had to make the decision.
“I had a nice chat with them (Vidarbha) and made them understand that I’m really grateful for the last two years, for the opportunity that Vidarbha gave me. Obviously, they were a little disappointed. But, you know, I made them understand that it wasn’t any other reason,” said Karun.
After a lackluster start, Karun, who is presently leading Mysore Warriors in the KSCA Maharaja Trophy, hopes to turn things around for his team.
“At this time of the year, you have to be prepared for the weather. But really amazing work was done by KSCA to stage the matches and they’re trying their best to complete most of the matches,” he signed off.
