Karun Nair, currently making waves in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, has had a challenging journey in domestic cricket. The 33-year-old, who began his first-class career with Karnataka in 2012, struggled to maintain consistent performances despite showing glimpses of talent. In the 2022-23 season, he faced setbacks after being dropped from Karnataka’s squad due to a lack of opportunities.
Determined to revive his career, Nair moved to Vidarbha, where he found success. His incredible form for Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy has established him as one of the top performers in Indian domestic cricket, with five centuries and 664 runs in six innings in the ongoing tournament.
Karun Nair’s IPL Journey
Nair’s IPL journey began in 2012 when he joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹8 lakhs per season. After two seasons, he moved to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2014, where his salary increased to ₹75 lakhs annually. His performances earned him a lucrative contract with Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2016, where he earned ₹4 crores per season for two years.
In 2018, he joined Punjab Kings (PBKS) for ₹5.6 crores annually and remained with them until 2020. He later played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2021 for ₹50 lakhs before rejoining the Royals in 2022 on a ₹1.4 crore contract. After taking a brief hiatus to improve his batting, Nair returned to the IPL in 2025, signing with DC for ₹50 lakhs.
Karun Nair’s IPL Salary
Over his IPL career, Karun Nair has earned an impressive ₹28.86 crores. His salary progression reflects his fluctuating fortunes in the league. Starting modestly at ₹8 lakhs with RCB, he saw significant jumps during his stints with the Royals, Capitals, and Punjab Kings, reaching a peak annual salary of ₹5.6 crores.
However, subsequent seasons brought lower contracts, with ₹50 lakhs at KKR and his latest ₹50 lakh deal with DC in 2025. Despite the highs and lows, Nair’s IPL career has cemented his reputation as a seasoned top-order batter, and his return this season signals his determination to make an impact once again.
Nair’s resurgence in domestic cricket and his return to the IPL underscore his resilience and ability to overcome challenges, making him a player to watch in the 2025 season.
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