Karun Nair returns to Karnataka after India comeback
Karun Nair had been in incredible form in the last season, finishing as the fourth-leading run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy in the 2024-25 season and as the leading run-scorer in the Vijay Hazare Trophy
India batter Karun Nair has returned to his home team Karnataka ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season, following his recent comeback to the national Test side. Following spending two seasons with Vidarbha, Nair has decided to rejoin Karnataka due to personal reasons. Meanwhile, at the same time, Karnataka pacer Vasuki Koushik has confirmed his transfer to Goa.
Nair, who famously scored a triple century against England in 2016, returned to the Indian Test team in 2025 after a gap of nearly eight years. His comeback was possible following consistent domestic performances for Vidarbha, scoring 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy and 779 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, his return to international cricket hasn’t gone the way he would have liked.
So far, in three Tests on the ongoing England tour, the right-handed batter has managed scores of 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14. As India trails 1-2 in the five-match Test series, his place in the playing XI for the fourth Test is in question. With young left-hander Sai Sudharsan pushing for selection, the Old Trafford Test could see a change in the line-up.
Meanwhile, the 33-year-old left the team in 2022 after being dropped and began a fresh start with Vidarbha. However, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has re-signed him for the upcoming season, and he is expected to play an important role in their batting unit.
Farokh Engineer slams Karun Nair ahead of 4th Test
Vasuki Koushik secures NoC from KSCA
While Karnataka welcomes back Nair, they bid farewell to pacer Vasuki Koushik, who has officially moved to Goa for the upcoming season. The 32-year-old pacer was among Karnataka’s leading bowlers last season, picking 23 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy games, eight wickets in five Vijay Hazare matches, and 18 wickets in 10 T20 outings.
Koushik secured a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from KSCA and will now lead the pace attack for Goa, alongside Arjun Tendulkar. The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has confirmed Koushik as one of their professional signings, who is expected to strengthen their bowling lineup after winning the Ranji Trophy Plate Group last season.
"We have signed Koushik. So far, that is the only confirmed transfer. We are exploring a few other options, but no names have been finalised yet," GCA secretary Shambha Desai told Cricbuzz.
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