Capable of crease occupation as well as hitting the ball hard, Nayar chipped in with vital contributions in Mumbai's successful Ranji Trophy campaign in 2006.
The first-class century narrowly eluded him for a time - he made 97 against Gujarat in 2006 but when it came it was a big one, 152 against Karachi Urban in the Mohammad Nissar Trophy.
Nayar was bought by the lucrative Indian Premier League's Mumbai franchise in early 2008 and enjoyed regular playing time as the tournament kicked off.
In the final of the 2008/09 Ranji Trophy, he made a vital 99 that helped set up Mumbai's 38th triumph and, after being on the fringes of the national side.
Nayar himself had handy figures of 7-0-49-2 with wickets of two specialist batsmen, Hanuma Vihari and CM Gautam.
Nayar came into bowl in the 12th over of South Zone's innings and began with the wicket of opener Vihari first ball.
He scored a century along with the Vijay Zol ensured India A held on for a draw against New Zealand "A" in Visakhapatnam on the final day in September 2013.