542 runs, 5 matches, 4 times not out, 4 tons, Nair sets List ‘A’ world record

Nagpur: To call Karun Nair's awesome run in the current season of Vijay Hazare Trophy a purple patch would be an understatement. The Vidarbha skipper has belted 542 runs in five matches before being dismissed for the first time in as many matches, a world record in List A matches.Before Friday, the record was held by New Zealand allrounder James Franklin who posted 527 runs without getting out in 2010. Nair bettered the 14-year-old record with his 112-run knock — his fourth century in five matches of Vijay Hazare Trophy this season — to guide Vidarbha to eight-wicket win over Uttar Pradesh in Vizianagaram on Friday.Since his elevation as captain of Vidarbha One-day team this season, Nair has been on a blitzkrieg. His consistent run with the bat has ensured Vidarbha's victory in all their five Vijay Hazare Trophy matches this season and top Group D with 20 points.Nair's record-breaking spree started with an unbeaten 112 against Jammu & Kashmir on Dec 23. Next, the skipper scored 44 not out in Vidarbha's chase of 80 against Chhattisgarh. From there on, Nair has scored three successive centuries — against Chandigarh (163*), Tamil Nadu (111*) and Uttar Pradesh (112) — to enter the record books.Nair is now the leading run-scorer of the tournament this season with 542 runs, followed by former Karnataka teammate Mayank Agarawal who has 497 runs from six matches.