Karun Nair's unbeaten 81 keeps Karnataka afloat after top-order collapse against Andhra

VIJAYAWADA: Dropped without explanation from South Zone's Duleep Trophy XI six weeks ago, Karun Nair has answered in the language he has learnt well lately, runs under pressure. After an unbeaten century in the Dr (Capt) K Thimmappaiah Memorial Tournament recently, the 34-year-old dug Karnataka out of trouble with an unbeaten 81 (130b; 8x4; 2x6) against Andhra in their Ranji Trophy season opener on Tuesday, keeping alive their hopes of salvaging a draw.