KOCHI: Karun Nair proved to be a thorn in Kerala’s flesh in the Ranji Trophy final. The story could have been so different for Nair and Kerala had the state cricket association responded positively to his offer of playing for them a couple of seasons ago.
After making his first-class debut for Karnataka way back in 2013 and playing ten seasons for them, Nair decided to make a shift.
Kerala was one of the first options, as his family hails from Chengannur in Alappuzha district. “Nair had approached us after obtaining an NOC from Karnataka. Sanju (Samson) was our captain, and we had another Karnataka player, Shreyas Gopal, in our mix. So we were not sure where to accommodate him,” clarified KCA president Jayesh George.
Asked whether the KCA regretted not responding positively to Nair’s offer, Jayesh said, “Nobody asked us this question last season. Now, when Karun scored big runs this year, everyone is saying we could have got him playing for Kerala. But there’s no point in looking back. He played very well in the final against us, and I am happy for him.”
A chartered flight to bring stars home
KOCHI: The Kerala Cricket Association has organised a chartered flight for their players’ return home after a historic runner-up finish. A group of 45 junior state cricketers, who were flown in by KCA to watch the final, will also be on board the flight which is expected to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram at 9.30 pm on Monday.