Karun Nair joins Mankad, Hazare with 67-year Ranji Trophy first
The Ranji Trophy, one of the most prestigious domestic cricket tournaments in India, has a rich history of producing talented cricketers who have gone on to make a mark at the international level. On Saturday, Vidarbha’s Karun Nair etched his name alongside some of the greats of the game by becoming the third batter to score a century in a Ranji Trophy final for two different teams.
Nair’s 132 (batting overnight on day four) saw him join an elite club of cricketers who have achieved this rare feat. He follows in the footsteps of Vinoo Mankad, who scored centuries for Nawanagar and Mumbai, and Vijay Hazare, who did so for Maharashtra and Baroda.
This achievement is all the more remarkable considering the longevity of the Ranji Trophy. Established in 1934, the tournament has been running for 67 years, and only a handful of batters have managed to score centuries in a final for multiple teams. Nair’s 132 is a testament to his skill and experience, and his ability to adapt to different conditions and teams.
Nair’s journey to this milestone began in 2015, when he scored 328 for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy final against Tamil Nadu. This was an incredible performance, and one that set him up for bigger things in the future. After leaving Karnataka, Nair joined Vidarbha and has been a key player for the team ever since.
His 132 on Saturday was a masterclass display of batting, with Nair showing his ability to play both defensively and aggressively. He faced 226 balls, hitting 12 fours and two sixes, and played a crucial role in Vidarbha’s total of 455, which set up a strong foundation for their team.
Nair’s achievement is not only a testament to his own skill but also to the rich history of the Ranji Trophy. The tournament has produced some of the greatest cricketers India has ever seen, and Nair is proud to be a part of that tradition.
“To be able to join an elite club like this is a great honor,” Nair said after his innings. “I’m thrilled to be part of this tradition of excellence, and I’m proud to be playing for Vidarbha.”
Nair’s 132 is not only a personal achievement but also a significant one for Vidarbha, who are looking to win their first Ranji Trophy title. With Nair leading the charge, Vidarbha are well-placed to achieve this goal, and their fans will be eagerly awaiting the final outcome of the tournament.
In conclusion, Karun Nair’s 132 is a remarkable achievement that cements his place among the greats of Indian cricket. His ability to score centuries for two different teams is a testament to his skill and experience, and he is a proud addition to the elite club of cricketers who have achieved this feat.
