Full Name: Karun Kaladharan Nair
Nickname: Karun
Date of Birth: December 6, 1991
Age: 33 years (as of 2025)
Place of Birth: Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Hinduism
Profession: Professional Cricketer
Batting Style: Right-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm off break
Role in Team: Middle-order Batter
Net Worth: Estimated ₹20–25 crore INR (approx. $2.5–3 million USD)
Early Life and Background
Karun Nair was born on December 6, 1991, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, to Malayali parents who originally hail from Kerala. His father, Kaladharan Nair, worked as an administrative officer in the Indian Air Force, while his mother, Prema Nair, was a school teacher. Due to his father’s transferable job, Karun spent his childhood in different cities before settling in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
From a young age, Karun showed a natural flair for cricket. His parents noticed his passion and enrolled him at the Koramangala Cricket Academy, where he began training under professional coaches. His talent and determination quickly made him stand out, and by his teenage years, he was already representing Karnataka at the junior level.
Karun’s journey wasn’t always easy — he faced injuries, stiff competition, and challenges balancing studies with cricket. Yet, his perseverance and focus helped him rise steadily through the ranks of Indian domestic cricket.
Domestic Cricket Career
Karun Nair made his first-class debut for Karnataka in the 2013–14 Ranji Trophy season, and his performances immediately grabbed attention. That season, he scored three consecutive centuries in the knockout stages, playing a key role in helping Karnataka win the Ranji Trophy title after 15 years.
In the following year (2014–15), he continued his golden run and notched up a triple century (328) against Tamil Nadu in the Ranji final — one of the highest scores in the tournament’s history. His ability to play long innings with patience and class made him one of the most reliable batsmen in the domestic circuit.
Apart from the Ranji Trophy, Karun has also represented Karnataka in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) and Vijay Hazare Trophy (List A) tournaments, contributing significantly across all formats.
International Career
Karun Nair’s consistent domestic performances earned him a call-up to the Indian national team in 2016. He made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in June 2016 and later made his Test debut against England in November 2016 in Mohali.
His most memorable moment came just a few weeks later, in December 2016, during the Chennai Test against England. In only his third Test innings, Karun scored a sensational triple century (303 not out), becoming only the second Indian batsman after Virender Sehwag to achieve this rare feat.
This innings not only etched his name in cricketing history but also displayed his temperament, technique, and ability to dominate top-class bowlers.
However, despite such a remarkable start, Karun’s international career didn’t progress as expected. Due to team combinations, competition, and inconsistent opportunities, he couldn’t cement his place in the national side after 2017. Yet, he remains one of the most talented players to have emerged from India’s domestic system.
IPL Career
Karun Nair has been a part of several Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises and is known for his elegant stroke play in the shortest format.
- Rajasthan Royals (2013–2014): Karun began his IPL career with the Royals, where his consistency and composure under pressure caught attention.
- Delhi Daredevils (2016–2017): He had a memorable stint here, including a match-winning 83 off 59 balls* against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- Kings XI Punjab (2018–2020): Karun played vital middle-order roles and brought stability to the team’s batting lineup.
- Kolkata Knight Riders (2023): Most recently, he joined KKR, adding experience and depth to their batting unit.
Throughout his IPL journey, Karun has been appreciated for his calmness, timing-based game, and ability to anchor innings when needed.
Playing Style
Karun Nair is a technically sound right-handed batsman known for his elegant stroke play and classical approach. His style blends modern aggression with traditional technique, making him adaptable across formats.
He is particularly strong off the back foot and through the covers, often compared to the likes of Rahul Dravid for his temperament and focus. His patient, calculated batting makes him a valuable player in longer formats, while his quick running and ability to rotate strike suit limited-overs cricket too.
Personal Life
Off the field, Karun Nair is known for his calm, humble, and disciplined personality. He comes from a supportive family that has been his backbone throughout his career. In January 2020, he married his longtime partner, Sanaya Tankariwala, in a beautiful ceremony attended by close friends and family.
Karun is deeply spiritual and often attributes his success to hard work and faith. When not playing cricket, he enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with his family. He also actively participates in social welfare activities and youth cricket camps, inspiring the next generation of cricketers.
Achievements and Records
- Second Indian batsman to score a triple century in Test cricket (303* vs England, 2016).
- Youngest Indian to score a triple century in Tests (aged 25).
- Played key roles in Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy titles (2013–14, 2014–15).
- Recorded a triple century (328) in the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy final.
- Represented India in 6 Tests and 2 ODIs.
- One of the few Indian batsmen with multiple 300+ scores in first-class cricket.
Legacy and Impact
Karun Nair’s cricket journey is a testament to talent, resilience, and patience. Though his international opportunities have been limited, his name will forever be remembered in Indian cricket history for that magnificent 303 not out — a knock that symbolized skill, endurance, and class.
He continues to play domestic cricket and remains a vital part of Karnataka’s setup, working hard for a comeback to the national team. For young cricketers, Karun’s journey serves as a reminder that consistency, humility, and hard work always pay off, even when the spotlight fades.
Conclusion
Karun Nair’s story goes beyond records — it’s about perseverance, discipline, and silent excellence. From a young boy in Sangli with big dreams to scoring a triple century for India, his cricketing journey remains an inspiration for countless aspiring players across the nation.
He may have had ups and downs in his career, but Karun Nair’s class, composure, and contribution to Indian cricket ensure that his legacy will always shine bright.
