By Rohit Juglan in Canterbury, England
On a day when grey skies loomed and the Dukes ball promised movement, India A, put in to bat by England Lions, found themselves in a familiar predicament at 51/2. But what followed was pleasing to the eyes of Indian fans, as Karun Nair, alongside Sarfraz Khan and then Dhruv Jurel, orchestrated a magnificent turnaround, propelling India A to a commanding 409/3 at stumps on Day 1. While the scoreline speaks volumes of India’s collective effort, it was Nair’s breathtaking unbeaten 186 that truly stole the show—a performance the writer was privileged to witness from the Canterbury stands.
From the moment he strode to the crease, Nair exuded quiet determination. His initial approach was one of meticulous caution, respecting the conditions and the probing lines offered by the England Lions pacers. The first half-hour saw him absorb pressure, get his eye in, and lay a solid foundation. The Lions’ bowlers tried everything—tempting driving lengths, occasional short-pitched deliveries, bouncers, and even introducing spin. Yet, he remained unperturbed. The only real chink in his armour, a dropped catch at second slip just before tea while chasing a wide delivery, served as a fleeting reminder of the inherent risks in this unforgiving game—quickly forgotten amidst the brilliance that followed.
Once past the 30-run mark, the shackles seemed to vanish, and his innings blossomed with a blend of elegance and aggression. His strategy of “playing late” was a masterclass in itself, allowing him that extra fraction of a second to assess the ball’s trajectory and execute his shots with precision. The boundary ropes were soon peppered with exquisite strokes—the classical drives, flowing effortlessly from his blade, were a treat to the eye.
A couple of authoritative pulls, some deft cuts that threaded the gaps with surgical accuracy, and a quite beautiful flick demonstrated his versatility. Even a cheeky reverse sweep found its way to the ropes, showcasing a complete understanding of the modern game. What truly stood out was his ability to score all around the park, seemingly without taking undue risks, transforming good deliveries into scoring opportunities. His recent stint with Northamptonshire in county cricket, it appears, has honed his craft further, adding another layer of experience to his already impressive repertoire.
While Sarfraz Khan’s aggressive 92—a knock that deserved a century—and Dhruv Jurel’s equally impressive unbeaten 82 provided vital impetus, it was Nair who was the conductor of this orchestral batting display. His partnership with Sarfraz completely shifted the momentum, and his ongoing stand with Jurel has left the England Lions with a mountain to climb.
As the floodlights illuminated the ground and the players walked off, the sentiment was clear: Karun Nair’s form is not just a bright light; it’s a shining beacon. This magnificent innings will undoubtedly bring a smile to the faces of Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill. With the Indian squad in mind, Nair’s emphatic statement from Canterbury serves as a powerful reminder of the depth and talent within India’s middle order. His name, once synonymous with a triple hundred, is once again resonating with the promise of more glorious chapters to come.