Karun Nair’s gritty knock in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final ended in heartbreak after a mix-up with Danish Malewar saw him run out in the final moments of Day 1 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. The veteran batter, who was anchoring Vidarbha’s innings after an early collapse, was visibly frustrated as he walked back to the pavilion, throwing his bat in disappointment.
Coming in at 24/3, with Vidarbha in deep trouble, Nair played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings alongside the young Malewar. The duo stitched together a marathon 215-run partnership off 414 balls, rescuing the team from a precarious situation. Just as he seemed poised for a well-deserved century, disaster struck.
WATCH – Ibrahim Zadran’s Historic Century and Emotional Celebration
In the dying moments of the day, Nair left a wayward delivery from Eden Apple, which the wicketkeeper fumbled. Sensing an opportunity, he attempted a quick single, only for Malewar to remain unmoved. Kerala skipper Sachin Baby sprinted back from second slip, collected the ball, and fired a direct hit at the stumps, catching Nair well short.
Partnership-Breaker! 🙌
Rohan Kunnummal’s brilliant direct hit run out of Karun Nair breaks the 215-run 4th wicket stand 👌👌#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #Final
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaflpp pic.twitter.com/7zmJCeo9Jd
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 26, 2025
His dismissal for 86 off 188 balls, laced with eight boundaries and a six, was a bitter pill to swallow. With a stellar domestic season under his belt, he would have hoped to add another century to his name. Now, he’ll have to wait for the second innings for another chance.
ALSO READ: Shoaib Akhtar Backs Himself To Fix Pakistan’s Domestic Cricket in Three Years
Vidarbha sent in Yash Thakur as a nightwatchman, and he ensured no further damage as they ended Day 1 at 254/4 in 86 overs. The standout performer, however, was Malewar, who remained unbeaten on 138 off 259 balls, smashing 14 fours and two sixes. Kerala’s M.D. Nidheesh was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 2/33 in 18 overs.
