Karun Nair returns after 3 Years against Mumbai Indians: IPL 2025
Karun Nair was playing in his first IPL game in nearly three years (he last featured for Rajasthan Royals in 2022).
Backstory
In December 2022, Karun Nair had famously taken to Twitter with a heartfelt message: “Dear cricket, give me one more chance.” After enduring several setbacks in his cricketing journey, Nair finally got an opportunity in the 2025 Indian Premier League match against Mumbai Indians. And he made the most of it, smashing a brilliant 89 off just 40 balls for Delhi Capitals while chasing a target of 206. Though the team fell short by 12 runs, Nair’s knock served as a strong reminder of his capabilities.
Karun Nair played his first IPL match in almost three years, having last appeared for Rajasthan Royals in 2022. He made a memorable comeback, scoring his first IPL half-century after 2520 days—nearly seven years. Delhi Capitals bought him for Rs 50 lakh in the auction. However, he didn’t feature in the Playing XI for the first four matches and had to wait for his chance.
After falling out of favour with the Karnataka team, Karun Nair made a significant move to Vidarbha ahead of the 2023-24 domestic season. The decision proved to be a turning point in his career. He amassed a staggering 779 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at an average of 389.50, followed by 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy, playing a pivotal role in Vidarbha’s title win in the 2024/25 season. He also impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024/25, smashing 255 runs at a strike rate of over 170.
In addition to his domestic success, Nair featured in 10 County Championship matches for Northamptonshire across two seasons, where he accumulated 736 runs at an impressive average of 56.61.
DC vs MI match
Karun Nair made a remarkable return to the Indian Premier League on April 13, 2025, delivering a standout performance for Delhi Capitals against Mumbai Indians. Playing his first IPL match in nearly three years, Nair scored a blistering 89 off 40 balls, showcasing his skill and determination.
Entering the game as an ‘Impact Player’ after the early dismissal of opener Jake Fraser-McGurk, Nair quickly found his rhythm. He reached his half-century in just 22 balls, including two sixes off Jasprit Bumrah, and formed a crucial 119-run partnership with Abishek Porel (33). Despite his efforts, Delhi Capitals fell short, losing by 12 runs after a dramatic collapse that included three run-outs in the penultimate over.
Nair’s performance not only highlighted his personal resurgence but also reminded fans of his capabilities on the big stage. Reflecting on his innings, he expressed satisfaction with his preparation and execution, though he lamented the team’s inability to secure a win.
Read More: https://newstapone.com/2025/04/14/karun-nairs-comeback-a-story-for-the-ages-says-srikkanth/
