On July 11, 2025, Karun Nair remains a shining name in Indian cricket, known for his remarkable talent and unyielding spirit. Born on December 6, 1991, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Karun has become a celebrated cricketer, famous for scoring a triple century in Test cricket. His story is one of hard work, overcoming challenges, and chasing dreams. This article tells the unique tale of Karun Nair’s life, written in simple English for Indian beginners, with short sentences to make it easy to read. His journey inspires young cricket fans across the country.
Early Life And Family
Karun Nair was born in a small family in Jodhpur. His parents, Kaladharan Nair and Prema Nair, come from Chengannur, Kerala. His father is a mechanical engineer. His mother is a teacher at Chinmaya Vidyalaya in Bangalore. Karun has an elder sister named Shruthi. The family moved to Bangalore when Karun was young. Bangalore became his home, where his love for cricket grew. As a child, Karun faced health issues. He was born prematurely, with weak lungs. Doctors advised sports to make him stronger. This advice changed his life forever.
At the age of six, Karun started playing cricket. His father noticed his interest and supported him. Karun joined the Koramangala Cricket Academy in Bangalore on March 28, 2001. His coach, Shivanand, helped him learn the basics. Karun was a quick learner. He loved batting and spent hours practicing. His parents balanced his studies and cricket. Karun studied at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, where his mother taught. Later, he joined Frank Anthony Public School for better cricket opportunities. He also completed a BCom (Hons) degree at Jain University in Bangalore. Karun speaks many languages, including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, and Tamil. His mother tongue is Malayalam.
Karun Nair Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Parents
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karun Kaladharan Nair |
| Date of Birth | December 6, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India |
| Family | Father: Kaladharan Nair (Mechanical Engineer); Mother: Prema Nair (Teacher); Sister: Shruthi Nair |
| Hometown | Bangalore, Karnataka (Family moved from Kerala) |
| Education | BCom (Hons) from Jain University, Bangalore |
| Languages Known | English, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil (Mother tongue: Malayalam) |
| Health Background | Born prematurely with weak lungs; advised sports to improve health |
| Cricket Academy | Joined Koramangala Cricket Academy, Bangalore, on March 28, 2001 |
| Coach(es) | Shivanand (early coach), Vijay Madyalkar (later coach) |
| Domestic Debut | 2013-14 Ranji Trophy for Karnataka |
| Domestic Teams | Karnataka (2013-2022), Vidarbha (2023-present) |
| Key Domestic Achievements | - Scored 328 runs in 2014-15 Ranji Trophy final (record) - Helped Karnataka win Ranji Trophy (2013-14, 2014-15) - Helped Vidarbha win Ranji Trophy (2024-25) - Scored 779 runs in 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy (5 centuries, avg 389.50) - Set List A record: 542 runs without dismissal |
| International Debut | ODI: June 11, 2016 vs Zimbabwe Test: November 2016 vs England (Mohali) |
| Major International Achievement | Scored 303* in Test vs England, December 2016 (2nd Indian to score a Test triple century) |
| Test Comeback | May 2025, selected for India’s Test team vs England |
| IPL Teams | - Royal Challengers Bangalore (2012-2013) - Rajasthan Royals (2014-2015, 2022) - Delhi Daredevils/Capitals (2016-2017, 2025) - Kings XI Punjab (2018-2020) - Kolkata Knight Riders (2021) |
| IPL Stats (as of 2025) | Matches: 84, Runs: 1,694, Half-centuries: 11, Average: 23.85 |
| Notable IPL Moment | Scored 89 off 40 balls for Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians, April 13, 2025 |
| Marital Status | Married to Sanaya Tankariwala on January 16, 2020, in Udaipur |
| Children | Son: Kayaan (born January 2022), Daughter (name not public) |
| Life Incident | Survived a boat accident in Kerala’s Pampa River in 2016 |
| Awards and Recognition | Nominated for Arjuna Award; Player of the Match for 303* in Test vs England |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $2-3 million (from cricket contracts, IPL, and brand endorsements) |
| Hobbies and Interests | Loves cars (owns BMW, Audi); supports NGOs for underprivileged children |
| Personality Traits | Resilient, determined, called a “khadoos” cricketer by his coach |
| Legacy | Inspires young cricketers with his journey from health challenges to Test triple-centurion |
| Current Date | July 11, 2025 |
Domestic Cricket Beginnings
Karun’s cricket journey began in Karnataka’s domestic circuit. He made his first-class debut in the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy season. Karnataka won the title that year. Karun played a big role. He scored three centuries in a row in the final league game and knockout matches. His batting was smooth and stylish. He relied on timing, not power. Fans loved watching him play. In the 2014-15 season, Karun shone again. He scored 328 runs in the Ranji Trophy final against Tamil Nadu. This was a record for the highest score in a Ranji final. Karnataka won the title again. Karun became a star in domestic cricket.
Karun’s success didn’t stop there. In the 2023-24 season, he joined Vidarbha. He helped them reach the Ranji Trophy final. In 2024-25, Vidarbha won the title. Karun scored 86 and 135 in the final against Kerala. He also excelled in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In 2024-25, he scored 779 runs, including five centuries. His average was an incredible 389.50. He set a record for scoring 542 runs without being dismissed in List A cricket. Karun’s consistency made him a standout performer.
International Cricket Breakthrough
Karun’s domestic success earned him a chance with the Indian team. He made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe on June 11, 2016. Later that year, he played his first Test match against England in Mohali. In his third Test, in Chennai, Karun achieved something extraordinary. He scored an unbeaten 303 runs against England in December 2016. This made him the second Indian, after Virender Sehwag, to score a triple century in Test cricket. He was only 25 years old. Karun became the fastest player to turn his first Test century into a triple century. He won the Player of the Match award. India won the match by an innings and 75 runs.
Despite this success, Karun’s international career faced challenges. He played only a few more Tests. In 2017, he was dropped from the team. Senior players like Ajinkya Rahane returned, and Karun lost his spot. He was part of the 2018 England tour but didn’t play a single game. This was tough for him. Karun felt confused and hurt. A prominent Indian cricketer even advised him to retire and focus on T20 leagues. But Karun refused. He wanted to play for India again. His determination kept him going.
In May 2025, Karun made a comeback. He was selected for India’s Test team against England. His consistent domestic performances, including a double century for India A against England Lions, earned him this chance. Sadly, in his comeback Test in June 2025, he scored a duck. But Karun’s story is about never giving up. He continues to fight for his place in the Indian team.
IPL Journey
Karun’s Indian Premier League (IPL) career is full of ups and downs. He started with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2012. He played only two matches in 2013. In 2014, Rajasthan Royals signed him for INR 75 lakhs. Karun scored 330 runs in 11 matches, including three fifties. His strike rate was 142.24. In 2016, Delhi Daredevils bought him for INR 4 crore. He was their second-highest run-scorer that season. Karun also played for Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders. In 2022, he returned to Rajasthan Royals.
In IPL 2025, Karun joined Delhi Capitals again. On April 13, 2025, he made a stunning comeback. Against Mumbai Indians, he scored 89 runs off 40 balls. He hit boundaries against top bowlers like Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah. Fans cheered his fearless batting. Karun has played 84 IPL matches, scoring 1,694 runs with 11 half-centuries. His average is 23.85. He hopes to have a breakthrough IPL season soon.
Personal Life And Challenges
Karun’s personal life is as inspiring as his cricket. He got engaged to Sanaya Tankariwala, a media professional, on June 29, 2019. They married on January 16, 2020, in Udaipur. The wedding had Parsi and Malayali traditions. Many cricketers, like Ajinkya Rahane and Yuzvendra Chahal, attended. Karun and Sanaya have two children—a son, Kayaan, born in January 2022, and a daughter. Karun shares family moments on social media. His parents and sister support him at matches.
Karun faced many challenges. In 2016, he survived a boat accident in Kerala’s Pampa River. The boat capsized during a temple festival. Karun, who cannot swim, was rescued by locals. This incident taught him to value life. In 2022, he was dropped from Karnataka’s Ranji team. He felt lost. But moving to Vidarbha gave him a fresh start. Karun also faced mental struggles after being dropped from the Indian team. Yet, he stayed focused. His coach, Vijay Madyalkar, calls him a true “khadoos” cricketer—tough and unyielding.
Achievements And Legacy
Karun’s achievements are remarkable. He is the second Indian to score a Test triple century. He holds the record for the highest score in a Ranji Trophy final (328 runs). In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he set a List A record for most runs without being dismissed. Karun was nominated for the Arjuna Award for his contributions. His net worth is estimated at $2-3 million. He earns from cricket contracts, IPL, and brand deals. Karun owns a luxurious apartment in Bangalore and loves cars like BMW and Audi.
Karun is more than a cricketer. He works with NGOs to help underprivileged children play sports. He wants to inspire young athletes. His story teaches resilience. From a premature baby with weak lungs to a Test triple-centurion, Karun’s journey is unique. He faced setbacks but never gave up. His comeback in 2025 shows his grit. Karun Nair’s name will always shine in Indian cricket. Young fans look up to him. His legacy is one of hard work, patience, and chasing dreams against all odds.