Karun Nair, the Keralite, Challenges Kerala's Ranji Trophy Dreams
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Karun Nair, the Keralite cricketer playing for Vidarbha, poses a significant challenge to Kerala's aspirations in the Ranji Trophy final, marking their first appearance in the prestigious tournament. The match takes a dramatic turn as Vidarbha leads, leaving Kerala with a daunting task ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Karun Nair impacts the Ranji Trophy final.
- Kerala seeks their first-ever trophy.
- Vidarbha leads after first innings.
- Kerala's historical moment at stake.
- Only two Keralites have played Test cricket for India.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 1 (NationPress) In a surprising twist, Karun Nair, a Keralite representing Vidarbha, is now a significant hurdle for the determined Kerala Ranji team, which is on the brink of making history with their inaugural appearance in the finals of India's top domestic tournament.
Kerala's aspirations of clinching the trophy based on their first innings lead suffered a setback when they were dismissed for 37 runs less than Vidarbha's first innings total of 379.
On the fourth day (Saturday), Kerala's hopes of making cricketing history were reignited when two Vidarbha wickets fell early in the third over, leaving the score at seven.
However, the influence of Keralite Karun Nair, who has been enjoying a remarkable domestic season, became evident.
By the end of Day Four, he had effectively hindered Kerala's chances of lifting the Ranji Trophy for the first time.
Vidarbha stood at 249 for four, holding an overall lead of 286, with just the fifth day remaining. Karun Nair was not out at 132, while captain Akshay Wadkar was on four.
The 33-year-old Karun Nair was born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, where his father, Kaladharan Nair, a mechanical engineer, was employed at that time.
Both Kaladharan and his wife, Prema, originate from Chengannur in the Alappuzha district, yet they have been residing in Bengaluru for a long time.
With Vidarbha already in a commanding position due to their first innings lead, Wadkar will be in no rush, as they have six wickets remaining, and only a miracle could help Kerala secure the Ranji Trophy for the first time.
As it stands, Kerala will likely have to postpone their quest for a historic achievement for another year.
Kerala triumphed in their quarterfinal against Jammu and Kashmir with a mere one-run lead in the first innings, and in the semifinal, they dismissed Gujarat just two runs short of surpassing Kerala's first innings total.
Notably, only two Keralites who have played in the Ranji Trophy for Kerala have gone on to play Test cricket for India: pacers Tinu Yohanan and S. Sreesanth.
