Karun Nair is certainly on a high after scaling a peak in the history of run-making, amassing an unbeaten 303 against England in the Chennai Test to become only the second Indian batsman to score a triple century, but with his feet planted firmly on ground, the 25-year-old Keralite is getting ready to play for his domestic team Karnataka in a Ranji Trophy quarterfinal match at Visakhapatnam on Saturday.
Karun, who is only the third batsman in the game’s history to convert a maiden Test ton into a triple, could not hide the joy in his voice when he spoke about the landmark achievement, but he does not believe in sitting on laurels and is keen on continuing his good run with the bat against Tamil Nadu.
The right-hander is also hoping to carry forward his blistering form to the ODI series against England which kickstarts in Pune on January 15.
In a freewheeling chat, Karun talks about his triple hundred and the key persons in his personal and professional lives even as congratulatory messages and wishes continue to flood the youngster’s mobile phone.
Excerpts from the interview:
To whom are you indebted for this triple ton?
I'm deeply grateful to skipper Virat Kohli who accorded equal importance to the team’s cause as well as an individual milestone. When I reached 200, the captain had sent out a message asking me to accelerate scoring if I was looking to score a triple century. As expected, he declared the innings when I crossed the 300-mark. Had I continued to play, we would have struggled to skittle out England on the final day.
It was your first century in international cricket as well…
Yes. During England's first innings it had become clear that the surface was ideal for batting. K. L. Rahul’s 199 underscored the fact that there were no demons in the pitch. So when I got out in the field, a century was at the back of my mind. Of course, it is any batsman’s dream to score a ton. After achieving that feat, I set my sights on a double hundred. Since the team needed more runs to be in a safe zone, I was confident that I would be able to reach 200 if I played patiently and cautiously. It was Virat who gave me the confidence to go for 300. I was well supported by both (Ravichandran) Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja.
Who is your role model?
Rahul Dravid. He is a role model in the true sense of the phrase. Since my days as a junior player for Karnataka, he has been an inspiration for me. It is him who showed me how to conduct myself with composure and dignity in adverse conditions. He personifies team spirit.
Which format in cricket suits you the best?
I believe I can excel in all three formats, be it Test, ODI or Twenty20. I have scored double and triple tons in domestic cricket. I can also play an aggressive brand of cricket in shorter formats as well.
Do you play any other sport than cricket?
I love playing football, tennis and table tennis.
Who is your best friend in cricket circles?
All my teammates in the Karnataka squad are my friends. They always keep me motivated.
Who is your favorite coach?
It is B. Shivanand, my childhood coach, who taught me the nuances of the game. He is my guide and mentor, and I’m extremely grateful to him for all my achievements. He phoned to congratulate me on scoring the triple ton soon after the day’s play ended. Former Karnataka Ranji captain P. V. Shashikanth too has a special place in my heart.
Tell us about your parents...
My father Kaladharan Nair and mother Prema are a great source of inspiration. They always support and encourage me to take my cricket career forward.
On Kerala?
Kerala always fascinates me. I eagerly wait for the arrival of holidays to visit this place. It is the same case with my sister Sruthi who lives in Canada. Each visit to Kerala evokes a different feeling altogether. Away from the busy city life in Bengaluru, it gives me an opportunity relax and cool off.