Karun Nair made a stunning return to the Indian Premier League with a scintillating 89 off just 40 deliveries for Delhi Capitals (DC) against Mumbai Indians (MI) in a high-voltage clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in IPL 2025. After spending nearly three years away from the limelight—last playing for Rajasthan Royals in 2022—DC picked up Nair for INR 50 lakh at the Jeddah auction. He had been warming the bench for the first four games of the season before finally getting his opportunity as an Impact Player, replacing Mukesh Kumar.
Tasked with chasing a daunting target of 206, Nair walked in after Jake Fraser-McGurk fell on the very first ball. Without hesitation, the 33-year-old showcased his aggressive flair, smashing 12 boundaries and five towering sixes in a blistering knock. His shot selection, confidence, and control turned back the clock.
However, his innings was cut short in the 12th over by a dream delivery from Mitchell Santner. Despite being well placed during Nair’s knock, Delhi Capitals suffered a dramatic collapse, losing five wickets in six overs after the 10th. Ashutosh Sharma and Vipraj Nigam tried to resurrect the chase, but MI’s sharp fielding, tight bowling, and a few misjudged runs, turned the tide.
WATCH – Mitchell Santner Delivers Dream Ball to Dismiss Karun Nair After Blistering 89
Karn Sharma benefited from a ball change that seemed to swing momentum in MI’s favor. A stunning team hat-trick in the penultimate over sealed the thrilling win for Mumbai, handing DC their first defeat of the season.
𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫. 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭. 𝐔𝐬. 𝐎𝐮𝐭. 🔥pic.twitter.com/p7JxpJpIba
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 13, 2025
This is Vintage Mumbai Indians match. Glad to watch this live. Next level happiness. pic.twitter.com/WfoD9lvs4K
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) April 13, 2025
Karun Nair – The Best Indian domestic batsman finally getting what he deserves.
All he needed was a chance and today he ‘Capitalised’ it pic.twitter.com/p237mRLN8y
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) April 13, 2025
Dropped from ICT
Dropped from Ranji team
Dropped from IPL too
Back after 3 yearsThe quality of shots against the world’s best bowlers boult & Bumrah says it all , if life gives you a chance, be like Karun Nairpic.twitter.com/81r7cSfMwY
— Pikachu (@11eleven_4us) April 13, 2025
Nothing but an appreciation post for Karun Nair ❤️ pic.twitter.com/s6NkimZKLE
— Homie (@homelander_yyy) April 13, 2025
This is how victory celebrate looks like 🏟️🚀🔥
Kudos to Mumbai Indians ✌️#DCvMI #DCvsMI pic.twitter.com/hgUPZNOTf5
— 𝕌𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕪𝕒 (@Uthaya2911) April 13, 2025
The best thing about time is it changes
Karun Nair 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pJTcsoKc3M— Gagan🇮🇳 (@1no_aalsi_) April 13, 2025
You can take Rohit Sharma out of captaincy, but how will you take the captaincy out of Rohit Sharma!
Leader @ImRo45 #DCvsMI #MIvsDC pic.twitter.com/4h15IGArLg
— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) April 13, 2025
Even a washed out Mumbai Indians came back to winning ways. Then there is a clown franchise who are sitting at 10th position and giving retirement benefits to washed out players🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ pic.twitter.com/CbPFtXsfVm
— Mastikhor 🤪 (@ventingout247) April 13, 2025
Run outs and Mumbai Indians a different love story 😭 #DCvsMI pic.twitter.com/QqEUeKods5
— Ayook (@Yeagerists07) April 13, 2025
Rohit Sharma had to come with his mastermind input to finally hand over a victory to Mumbai Indians. There is a reason why he is 2 times ICC trophy winning and 5 times IPL winning captain. pic.twitter.com/YtByQCcyeY
— Kusha Sharma (@Kushacritic) April 13, 2025
Earlier, MI posted a strong total of 205, thanks to a composed fifty by Tilak Varma and a powerful finish from Naman Dhir. While Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ryan Rickelton all got starts, it was Tilak who anchored the innings. Delhi’s fielding woes continued, with multiple near-misses and on-field collisions, though Kuldeep Yadav impressed once again with the ball.
WATCH – Karun Nair vs Jasprit Bumrah: Tense On-Field Clash Erupts Amid Blazing Fifty
Though the Capitals faltered at the finish line, Karun Nair’s blazing return reminded fans of his class and grit, sparking admiration across social media. His innings might not have ended in victory, but it has surely reignited his IPL journey.
