Karun Nair ended his 1077-day hiatus from the Indian Premier League when he made an appearance as an Impact Player for Delhi Capitals against Mumbai Indians. The 33-year-old had last played for Rajasthan Royals in the 2022 season. Nair marked his return with a blazing half-century off just 22 deliveries, his first in seven years in the tournament. His previous fifty in the IPL had come in 2018 for Kings XI Punjab against Delhi Daredevils. Nair showcased his prowess by taking on Jasprit Bumrah, scoring 16 runs off his second over in boundaries.
After a successful domestic season in 2024/25 with Vidarbha, Nair was acquired by the Capitals for Rs. 50 lakh during the 2025 mega auction. He had a stellar performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 255 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 177. Additionally, Nair excelled in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, tallying 542 runs across five innings without being dismissed. He also contributed significantly in the Ranji Trophy, accumulating 863 runs in 16 innings as Vidarbha secured its third title.
Nair’s remarkable performances in domestic cricket earned him a spot in the Delhi Capitals squad and he made a memorable comeback to the IPL after a long absence. His aggressive batting and consistency across formats highlight his potential to make a significant impact in the ongoing season.
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