Karun Nair's Penchant For High Scores in Decisive Moments Gets its Due

In Monday's press conference in Colombo, when India skipper Virat Kohli hinted at a Test debut for Karun Nair in the third and final Test against Sri Lanka, there was some excitement in the air. Nair had made big strides in the domestic circuit and many felt that it was about time he discovered the biggest stage. Murali Vijay's injury has given him an unexpected break. (Karun Nair Likely to Make Test Debut in Colombo: Virat Kohli)

Kohli's post-match press conference, following India's thumping 278-run victory over Sri Lanka at the P Sara Oval, highlighted the flexibility in India's batting order. Kohli indicated that batsmen must bat at any position "for the team." Nair would give him the option to make Cheteshwar Pujara open the batting with Lokesh Rahul. Will Nair replace Rohit Sharma in the middle then? (Kohli Says Youth Power Making the Difference)

In the 2014-15 Ranji Trophy, a dominant Karnataka were steamrolling oppositions but Nair was in poor form. With just 381 runs in nine matches at an average of 25.4, the pressure was immense. Karnataka already had one hand on the trophy when they bowled out Tamil Nadu for 134. However, the defending champions were in trouble at 84/5 and it needed something special. Nair stepped up and proceeded to play a knock that would redefine his career. (Karun Nair's Aggressive Century Helps India A draw Against South Africa A)

Nair shared a partnership of 386 for the sixth wicket with Lokesh Rahul but he was not done. He proceeded to end his run drought in spectacular style by notching up 328, only the second batsman in Ranji Trophy history to score a triple-century in the final. (Vijay, Saha Ruled out of Third Test)

In 2015, he was once again in the midst of a lean patch during the tri-series featuring Australia A and South Africa A. Having scored just 52 runs in five games, there was pressure heading into the first four-day match against South Africa A in Wayanad.

However, adversity brought out the best in Nair. Chasing 444, India A were reduced to 94/3 but Nair led from the front and took the attack to the South Africa A bowlers. He was caught off a no-ball on 45 but he rode his luck and registered an unbeaten 114 which helped India A achieve a draw.

The ability to perform in adverse conditions has made Nair a player to watch out for. He is already going in the footsteps of his India A and Rajasthan Royals coach Rahul Dravid who advised him, "You have everything in you to do well in international cricket. Concentrate on what you are doing now. Don't change anything. Once you get a start, you have to carry on. If it is your day, then you have to make it your day."

Before leaving for Colombo, in an interview with Times of India, Nair said that Dravid had helped him a lot. "Dravid has helped me mostly in the mental aspects. I've been losing concentration while batting in the 30's and 40's. We have worked on that. He hasn't got too much into the technicalities of my game."

Nair will have friends in Colombo. For a rookie, the dressing room can be quite intimidating but Nair have company in state mates Stuart Binny and Rahul. Rajasthan Royals team-mates for two years Ajinkya Rahane will be a bonus.

It's an achievement to make the national squad. A berth in the playing XI in the final Test will be a huge opportunity. Sharing the dressing room with Kohli and Ravi Shastri will be the perfect boost.