Karun Nair smashed his first IPL half-century in seven years, taking Jasprit Bumrah to the cleaners in the process, as Delhi Capitals (DC) aimed to chase 206 against Mumbai Indians (MI). Brought in as an impact player and playing his first game of the season, Karun slammed his fifty in just 22 balls. He hit two boundaries off Bumrah in the latter’s first over, before thrashing him for two sixes and 18 runs in his second. Nair’s innings propelled DC to 72 in the powerplay alone.
Nair had been in excellent form for Vidarbha in domestic cricket, and seems to have translated his form into the biggest T20 league in the world.
His incredible knock sent social media into a frenzy.
What a story Karun Nair is making a statement.
Continuing his form from domestic #DCvMI https://t.co/w6OLxj8ufh pic.twitter.com/Ioz8LxFWT8
– Aditya (@NameisAditya_) April 13, 2025
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.
What a player. Toying Bumrah like a gully cricket bowler #KarunNair #DCvsMI pic.twitter.com/E7rfhbsTyz
– (@Naneyidupakka) April 13, 2025
A relieved Hardik Pandya credited ‘impact sub’ Karn Sharma for showing a lot of heart to fashion Mumbai Indians’ 12-run win against Delhi Capitals here on Sunday, a result that helped the visitors get their IPL campaign back on track.
DC were cruising at 119 for one just after the halfway stage but were eventually bowled out for 193 in 19 overs, with spinner Karn playing a pivotal role by taking three wickets for 36 runs.
It was skipper Rohit Sharma who suggested to coach Mahela Jayawardene to bring Karn into the attack and also requested a ball change after the 11th over.
“Absolutely. Winning is always special. Especially in games like this. You have to keep fighting and it means a lot,” said Pandya at the post-match presentation when asked if he felt relieved after MI secured only their second win of the season.
“(Karn was) Fantastic. Coming in and bowling the way he bowled, showed a lot of heart, especially at a small ground like that.” Karun Nair’s whirlwind 89 went in vain, and Pandya admitted the knock took them by surprise.
“We were running out of options regarding what to bowl at him. The way he took on our bowlers, took his chances, and the way he executed — it shows the hard work he has put in. I think he took us by surprise.” DC batters suffered a dramatic collapse that included three successive run outs, ending their chase at 193.
“I always believe fielding is something that can change the game upside down. We were switched on, didn’t give up, and they got the chances and converted.”
(With PTI inputs)
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