Karun Nair made a stunning return to the IPL stage on Sunday, smashing 89 off just 39 balls in his first game of the season for Delhi Capitals. But his heroics weren’t enough, as Mumbai Indians pulled off a 12-run win in a high-scoring thriller.
It had been seven years since Nair last scored a fifty in the IPL. Drafted in as an impact substitute, he wasted no time making a statement. He tore into Jasprit Bumrah, hitting him for 18 runs in a single over—including two massive sixes—and brought up his half-century in just 22 balls. Thanks to his fireworks, DC raced to 72 in the powerplay.
Nair’s form isn’t a fluke—he’s been in top touch in domestic cricket with Vidarbha. Sunday’s knock showed he’s still got it on the big stage, and the internet loved every bit of it.
What a story Karun Nair is making a statement.
— Aditya (@NameisAditya_) April 13, 2025
Continuing his form from domestic #DCvMI https://t.co/w6OLxj8ufh pic.twitter.com/Ioz8LxFWT8
Karun Nair is showing all of us why playing domestic cricket & current form is so so important 👏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 13, 2025
"Spare a moment to salute Karun Nair. Shouldn’t we acknowledge his relentless hard work and dedication?" 🫡#KarunNair | #DCvMIpic.twitter.com/ONSBl8UwJx https://t.co/0E5hihLduU
— Harsh 17 (@harsh03443) April 13, 2025
The way Karun Nair Cameback from this situation is outstanding.
— ಹೆಸರಲ್ಲೇನಿದೆ ಬಿಡಿ (@Naneyidupakka) April 13, 2025
What a player. Toying Bumrah like a gully cricket bowler 😅#KarunNair #DCvsMI pic.twitter.com/E7rfhbsTyz
Unfortunately for Delhi, the rest of the batting order couldn’t match his intensity. Chasing a big target of 206, DC were cruising at 119/1 but collapsed to 193 all out in 19 overs. The turning point? A spin masterclass from MI’s Karn Sharma, who took 3 for 36, and a bizarre sequence of three run outs that derailed Delhi’s chase.
After the game, MI captain Hardik Pandya said the win felt “special,” especially given the tense moments. He credited Karn Sharma’s gutsy bowling on a small ground and said the decision to bring him on came from skipper Rohit Sharma, who also asked for a ball change after the 11th over.
“Karun took us by surprise,” Pandya admitted. “We were running out of options. He played an incredible innings and showed how much work he’s put in.”
The win gave Mumbai just their second victory of the season and a much-needed confidence boost. For Delhi, it was a missed chance—despite a standout solo act.
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