Karun Nair is quietly but confidently making a case for a return to Team India, and his performances in the IPL 2025 are adding fuel to that fire. Once seen as a bright prospect after his triple century against England in 2016, the 33-year-old has had a stop-start international career. But his recent domestic form for Vidarbha and now his IPL resurgence with Delhi Capitals suggest he might not be done yet.
Bought for ₹50 lakhs in the last mega auction, Nair has proven to be a value addition for DC. He made a thunderous statement in his first appearance of the season against the Mumbai Indians, hammering 89 runs off just 40 balls. His knock, studded with 12 sixes and five fours, showcased vintage flair, and his fearless approach against Jasprit Bumrah turned heads.
Though DC lost that match, Nair’s form earned him a regular spot in the playing XI. Against Gujarat Titans on Saturday, Nair contributed again — this time with both bat and brilliance in the field. He scored a quickfire 31 off 18 deliveries, helping DC reach a competitive 203/8. But it was his direct hit that truly changed the momentum.
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In the second over of GT’s chase, Shubman Gill attempted a risky single, but Nair swooped in from mid-wicket and nailed a perfect throw to catch the GT skipper well short of the crease. That breakthrough saw GT at 14/1 in just 1.4 overs.
Bullseye 🎯
A brilliant direct hit from Karun Nair sends #GT skipper Shubman Gill early 👊
GT are 29/1 after 3 overs.
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/skzhhRWvEt#TATAIPL | #GTvDC pic.twitter.com/RSMoYVQTZ6
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 19, 2025
In three innings this season, Nair has already racked up 120 runs at a staggering strike rate of 196.72, with 14 boundaries and seven sixes. His MI knock remains his best, but the way he’s playing, it wouldn’t be surprising if he tops that soon. With consistency and impact on his side, Karun Nair is knocking loudly on the selectors’ doors.
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Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul(w), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel(c), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar
Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma
