Karun Nair slams double-century in Ranji Trophy: Decoding his stats

Karun Nair scored a brilliant double-century against Kerala in a crucial Ranji Trophy match being held at KCA Cricket Ground, Mangalapuram, Trivandrum. The innings, which saw him score 233 runs off 389 balls with 25 fours and two sixes, comes as a timely reminder to the Indian selectors. This is especially true since he was dropped from the Test squad just weeks ago. Nair's performance helped Karnataka declare at 586/5. Here's more. Nair started Day 2 on an unbeaten 142 as Karnataka ended Day 1 on 319/3. Day 2 saw him convert his century into a massive knock. Smaran R gave him company after the two added a century-plus stand on Day 1. The two ended up with a 343-run stand for the 4th wicket. Nair was ultimately dismissed for 233 by Nedumankuzhy Basil. On the other hand, Smaran continued with his exploits and ended up getting an unbeaten 220. Nair's return to Test cricket during India's tour of England was disappointing. He scored 205 runs at an average of 25.62 in four Tests, with a top score of 57 at the Oval. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said they expected more from Karun Nair in England. The Karnataka batter has been vocal about his omission from the squad for the West Indies series, admitting he expected selection but didn't know how to respond to being left out. Nair's double century comes at a crucial time, with India's home Test series against South Africa starting on November 14. Nair's latest double-century is his second hundred this season, the first being an unbeaten 174 against Goa in the last round. He had also scored a half-century against Saurashtra earlier in the tournament. It was a knock of 73. The stellar performances have not only highlighted Nair's batting prowess but also his consistency. Day 1 of the contest saw Nair cross the 9,000-run mark in First-Class cricket. As per Sportstar, he became the sixth Karnataka batter to achieve this feat. The other five cricketers to have crossed this landmark are Rahul Dravid, G. Vishwanath, Brijesh Patel, Syed Kirmani and Robin Uthappa. Playing his 123rd First-Class match, Nair currently owns 9,133 runs from 198 inings. He hit his 26th hundred in FC cricket (50s: 38). As per ESPNcricinfo, in 73 Ranji matches, Nair currently has 5,589 runs at 50.80. This was his 19th hundred in the premier FC competition. He has as many fifties as well. 579 of his runs have come in 10 Tests for India at 41.35.