Karun Nair avoids India selection talk after ninth century in Ranji Trophy final

Vidarbha's Karun Nair played a crucial knock in the Ranji Trophy final, remaining unbeaten on 132 (280) against Kerala at the end of Day 4. His ninth century of the 2024-25 domestic season helped Vidarbha build a commanding lead of 286 runs. Despite his red-hot form, Nair refused to comment on his chances of an India recall.

The 32-year-old batter, who last played for India in 2017, has been out of the national setup since his breakthrough triple-century (303*) against England in Chennai. However, inconsistent performances and competition from Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari saw him fall out of favor. When asked about his India selection hopes, Nair remained non-committal.

“I’m not the right person to ask. I cannot comment on that. I have to just say that I have to keep performing in every game that I get, and if it happens, it happens. I have to do my job to the best," Nair told reporters at the VCA Stadium after the close of play, as quoted by PTI.

A century celebration with meaning

Unlike his usual restrained celebrations, Nair put up nine fingers toward the Vidarbha dressing room after reaching his hundred. He later explained the significance of the gesture.

“I’d been speaking about it before this match that I’ve got eight (centuries), if I score another one, I’ll show nine," he said. “I was just speaking to some of our sidearm throwers, Yash Thorat, who always help us with batting and everything. We were speaking, and I said to him that if I do score a hundred, I’ll show him the nine, so it was discussed."

Nair, who previously played for Karnataka for over a decade, moved to Vidarbha for a season-long contract in 2023. His future beyond this season remains uncertain, and when asked about his plans, he preferred to wait before making any decisions.

“Let this season end first," he quipped. “I have joined this season. Obviously, I want to play but there is a lot of time left. First, let’s get past tomorrow, a lot of matches are coming up and we will see," he added.

With Nair’s form peaking at the right time, the cricketing fraternity will closely watch whether his performances pave the way for a national comeback.

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