The latest developments in Indian cricketing circles have been happening Karun Nairthe best batsman who plays back to back for his home team, Vidarbha in Vijay Hazare Trophy.
The 33-year-old is currently the top scorer in the popular tournament with 664 runs in 6 innings. Nair has completed 5 years in the tournament so far and currently he has emerged as a major talking point due to his brilliant performances with the bat.
However, Nair's journey to this great household name was bumpy. Nair has been in the Indian team for over a decade, starting his career Karnataka in the first team match against Punjab. While the talent was evident, the performances told a different story as his career never reached the next level.
Kaun Nair's struggle with domestic sports teams
Nair represented Karnataka for several seasons. However, the 33-year-old has been ruled out of the squad for the 2022-23 season. Frustrated with the lack of playing time, Nair left Karnataka to focus on getting more playing time. The top hitters chose to play Vidarbha and started flying in the side and became Vidarbha's top scorer in the Ranji Trophy season.
Also Read: Will Karun Nair play for India again? Selectors who like his heroes in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25
Karun Nair's IPL journey
Karun Nair made his debut in IPL during 2012 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He played for RCB for two years before moving Rajasthan Royals (RR)where he spent two consecutive years. In 2016, he joined them Delhi Capitals (DC)where he continued for two seasons. After being released by the Capitals in 2018, Nair was acquired by the Punjab Kings (PBKS)where he played for three seasons. His IPL journey got him there Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2021 for one season, after which he returned to the Royals in 2022. After the 2022 season, Nair decided to take a break from the IPL to focus on improving his batting skills. His retirement ended when he returned in 2025, after the Capitals re-signed him the following season.
Karun Nair's IPL salary
Nair's IPL earnings started slowly, starting with ₹8 lakhs per season at RCB. His salary increased when he moved to Royals in 2014, where he earned ₹75 lakhs per year for two years. His move to Capitals in 2016 brought a huge increase to ₹ 4 crores per season. From 2018 to 2020, Nair was part of Punjab Kings, earning ₹5.6 crores per year. In 2021, he joined KKR for ₹ 50 lakhs before returning to Royals in 2022 for ₹ 1.4 crores. His 2025 contract with Delhi Capitals was worth ₹ 50 lakhs, with a base salary of ₹ 30 lakhs. Over the years of his IPL career, Nair earned a total of ₹28.86 crores.