Ranji Trophy | Karun Nair’s classy ton puts Vidarbha on the verge of glory

Karun Nair shines with unbeaten 132 in Ranji Trophy final, leading Vidarbha towards victory with his classy knock.

Karun Nair loves to bat on and on.

He loves it more if the stage is grander. Like a Ranji Trophy final, for instance. Back in 2014-15, he had made 328 to help Karnataka score a massive victory over Tamil Nadu.

A decade later, he has stamped his authority in another Ranji Trophy final. His unbeaten 132 (280b, 373min, 10x4, 2x6) has virtually ensured Vidarbha its third title in India’s most prestigious domestic tournament.

Riding on Karun’s classy knock, the host ended the fourth day at 249 for four at the VCA Stadium. An overall lead of 286 runs going into Sunday’s final day.

This is Karun’s ninth hundred across formats this season. It could easily have been 10th, if he hadn’t been run out for 86 in the first innings.

The main reason behind what now looks like Vidarbha’s match-winning first innings total was his fourth-wicket stand of 215 with Danish Malewar. The two batters, who clearly love each other’s company, frustrated Kerala on Saturday too, adding 182 for the third wicket.

And Vidarbha badly needed that partnership after the openers were back in the dressing room inside three overs.