~The star batter is leading the Coastal Kings Mangaluru in their debut season at the DACSS Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 ~
~ Karun Nair hailed “exciting times” for Karnataka cricket development ~
Mysuru, June 21, 2026: Karun Nair believes the evolving mindset in T20 cricket, driven by the revolution of IPL, will have an impact across domestic competition.
Speaking during the DACSS Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20, Nair said modern T20 cricket has pushed players to adopt a more aggressive and adaptive approach with bat and ball.
“The lPL is certainly setting the trend, and the times are different. The players are thinking in different ways. So, I think we’ll see similar things in every tournament going forward,” said Nair.
“But it’s difficult to replicate that because in IPL, the wickets are different and the bowlers are quicker, so the ball goes further. There are different factors so it will not always translate, but the mindset has changed for everyone.”
Speaking on the revised playing conditions for this edition, that mandates that team submit their team list before the toss, as opposed to two team sheets based on whether they bat or bowl first, Karun opined:
“It’s good in terms of the impact player because it brings in all-rounders. With this rule, you have to name a squad before the toss. This brings thinking in a new way, thinking about your XI. Otherwise, you don’t really have to think about it as much.”
On the revised free-hit regulation, where batters will not be awarded runs if they are caught or bowled during a free-hit, rewarding bowlers for their effort, he added: “It is good because you need to still need to focus on that ball to get runs, you can’t just get out and then hope that you’ll get some runs off that ball.”
While the Coastal Kings Mangaluru season opener, against the Hubli Tigers was abandoned due to rain, Nair underlined the importance of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 as a key platform for cricketers in Karnataka to showcase their skills ahead of the domestic season – whether they are established players or looking to make their case.
“Every single person playing this tournament has a stage to showcase their skills. It doesn’t matter who you are. You still have to go out there and perform and do the best for your team.”
Shedding light on his approach to leading the Coastal Kings Mangaluru, he added that the team environment is built on equality, with no distinction between senior and junior players.
“No one is a senior or a junior. Everyone is part of the team, and everyone has a role to play.”
He further added, “We have a very young team with a few experienced players. Our job is to guide them, let them be themselves, and express themselves.
“I hope we have a lot of players coming through and showing their skills in this tournament. There are a few youngsters in our squad who can go on and do good things. These are exciting times for Karnataka Cricket.”
