Karun Nair Clears Up Mystery Behind 'Nine' Celebration in Ranji Trophy Final, Addresses Potential India Return for England Tour

Nair, one of the only two Indians in history to have scored triple hundreds in Test cricket, has been in sensational form in domestic cricket. Following a record-breaking performance in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 779 runs in nine games including five centuries and one fifty at an extraordinary average of 389.50, he continued his dominance in red-ball cricket. His unbeaten 132 on the fourth day of the Ranji Trophy final against Kerala marked his fourth century in the tournament, with a total of 860 runs scored at an impressive average of 57.33. Nair's knock helped Vidarbha extend their lead to 286 runs in the final.

Following the century, Nair was asked about his thoughts on a possible return to the India squad after almost eight years but reckoned it entirely depended on the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.

"I'm not the right person to ask. I cannot comment on that. I have to just say that I have to keep performing in every game that I get and if it happens, it happens. I have to do my job to the best," Nair told the reporters at the VCA Stadium after the close of play on Day Four.

Karun Nair ends mystery over 'Nine' celebration

After completing his century, Nair signalled 'nine' with his hands to the dressing room. While it was speculated to be a message to the BCCI selectors, he revealed that it was instead a message to the members of the Vidarbha support staff.

"I'd been speaking about it before this match that I've got eight (centuries), if I score another one, I'll show nine," said Nair, who has played six Tests and two ODIs for India.

"I was just speaking to some of our sidearm throwers, Yash Thorat, who always help us with batting and everything. We were speaking and I said to him that if I do score a hundred, I'll show him the nine, so it was discussed."

When pressed if the signal was only meant for the Vidarbha support staff, Nair quipped, "You can take it however you want."

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