Interview with Karun Nair: "To know about my selection into the Indian side from Rahul Dravid was a special feeling"

After having a successful domestic career with Karnataka, that has seen him play 32 First class matches, score 2481 runs at an average of 52.78 over the course of a 4-year career , Karun Nair is now ready to play internationally for India, with his first assignment in coloured clothing set to come in Zimbabwe, where a young side led by MS Dhoni, is scheduled to play 3 ODIs and 2 T20Is.

Speaking at the Environment Crawl event, organised by Mantri Square, the 24-year-old spoke about his maiden IPL season with the Delhi Daredevils, how he played a key role in helping them win a tight game and more.

Excerpts:

1.What was your first response where you were approached to be a part of the initiative?

A: To be a part of such a great cause organised by Mantri Square, I was really happy to be part of the initiative. I was happy when I was first approached to be a part of such a great cause.

2.This was your first season with the Delhi Daredevils. It was a new setup, new set of players as well. How was your experience with them?

A: I thought it was a great experience for me, but personally, I feel I could have done much better. I got a lot of starts, but couldn’t convert them into big scores. I could have made a good season even better, that’s what I feel.

From a team perspective, I think we did quite well. No one expected us to do as well as we did. But I think in a few matches, we couldn’t capitalise from a winning position. That was a turning point. Otherwise, I think we were quite close to progressing to the playoffs.

3.Personally, your bright spot in the tournament was the innings against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Can you tell me a bit about the last over, when you needed 13 to win and were up against Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who had done well in the end overs previously?

A: I kept my mind blank to be honest and was just reacting to the ball. We didn't exactly get the start to the over that we wanted. At the end, I think because we didn't lose further wickets, the pressure transferred to the bowler. I was able to capitalise on that and got a four in the second ball.

That eased it a bit and eventually, I held my nerve and got the team through.

4.You had been scoring heavily in the domestic circuit and those runs that you made eventually, earned you a call to the senior squad as a replacement during India’s tour to Sri Lanka last year.How was that feeling like?

A:I think it was a great feeling. Everyone wants to play Test cricket and to be picked in the Test squad was an amazing feeling. And the person who broke the news to me was my idol, Rahul Dravid. He came up to the room and he told me I was selected. You can’t get a better feeling than that and I have never had a better experience.