IPL 2020: Karun Nair 'Happy' to be With Familiar Coach Anil Kumble, Hopes to do Well Under Him

Karun Nair, in his small career for Team India, has seen his share of ups and downs. Everyone remembers his triple ton against England at home, and since then he hasn't churned out any substantial performance. It was also due to the lack of opportunities given to him. Even in IPL last year, he played just a solitary match, despite KXIP's batting woes.

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But now the batsman is looking for a fresh start, after a long gap. “Very motivated,” Nair informed of his plans ahead of the IPL 2020 in an exclusive chat with Hindustan Times. “It’s again a new season so I’m glad that all of us are getting an opportunity to play first of all. We need to thank BCCI and the governments who have been working hard to make this happen. Also, very happy to meet all the boys after so long and then having this opportunity to come here in UAE and play. Really excited to get started and hopefully I’m able to win some games for the team.”

KXIP had their first training session last Wednesday, and the batsman seems to be enjoying his time. “We’ve had a good time in the last 10 days. Adjusting to the new conditions that have been laid out by the BCCI. We have about 20 days to go now and prepare ourselves in the biggest tournament in the world,” he said.

Punjab have a strong support staff with the likes of Anil Kumble, Andy Flower, Wasim Jaffer and Jonty Rhodes. And Nair says the players have benefited from picking brains of these legends. “It’s been a few days, a few sessions. It’s inspiring to work with such legends of the game. All are legends and continue to bring the best out of us. It’s going to be an exciting season where I can learn a lot from all these wonderful coaches and improve skills,” Nair added.

“Really happy to have him (Kumble) around,” he said. “He was the coach when I was given my India debut. I was able to do well also when he was the coach. So only positive feelings to talk about. It’s a new year and new season so it’s important for us to prepare well because all of us haven’t played in so long and then hit the ground running straightaway.

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“The conversations have been good. We’ve only had a couple of sessions, interesting and exciting for everyone. The players are charged up and in great spirits and I’m sure over the course of the next 20 days, there will be many more conversations and plenty of tactics being discussed, roles being given out.”