Karun Nair, the former Indian Test batsman, showcased his exceptional batting prowess in the Maharaja Trophy T20 tournament on Monday, smashing an unbeaten 124 off just 48 balls for the Mysore Warriors against the Mangalore Dragons.
Batting first, Mysore got off to a slow start, reaching 61/2 in 8 overs. However, Nair, who joined skipper Samit Dravid at the crease, accelerated the innings, adding 36 runs in 21 balls. After Dravid’s dismissal, Nair took charge, hitting boundaries at will.
In the last 29 balls of the innings, Nair and Manoj Bhandage (31 not out off 14 balls) plundered 85 runs, leaving the Dragons bowlers helpless. Nair’s innings included 13 fours and 9 sixes, with a staggering strike rate of 258.33.
In response, the Dragons struggled to keep up with the Warriors’ total, reaching only 138/7 in 14 overs before rain interrupted the match. Only wicketkeeper-batsman K Siddharth (50 off 27 balls) and Nikin Jose (32 off 21 balls) offered any resistance.
Nair’s blistering knock was a reminder of his talent and potential. The 31-year-old has played six Tests and two ODIs for India, but has not been able to cement his place in the national team. However, his performance in the Maharaja Trophy suggests that he is still a force to be reckoned with.
The Warriors’ victory was their second in the tournament, while the Dragons suffered their first defeat. The tournament, which features eight teams from Karnataka, is a platform for young and talented players to showcase their skills.
