Karun Nair's Comeback: A Stellar Performance in IPL 2025

Karun Nair's return to form in IPL 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable. After a challenging period, he scored an impressive 89 runs, reigniting hopes for his inclusion in the England Test squad. Despite a rough patch leading up to this match, Nair's performance showcased his resilience and skill. As Delhi Capitals chased a target of 207, Nair played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings, hitting four consecutive boundaries and nearly reaching his fifty. This article delves into his journey and the impact of his performance on the team's success.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2025, 00:02 IST

Karun Nair's Resurgence in IPL 2025

After a three-year hiatus from the IPL, Karun Nair, aged 33, made a remarkable return with an impressive 89 runs in 2019. He faced the formidable bowler Bumrah head-on during this innings, which took place on April 13, just weeks before the BCCI was set to announce the squad for the upcoming Test series against England. Fans began to speculate that if he maintained his form, he could secure a spot on the team.

However, Nair struggled in his subsequent six innings, accumulating only 75 runs. The Delhi Capitals even decided to drop him midway through the season. Although he managed to reach double figures three times, he lacked the ability to convert those starts into significant scores. For the sake of his future prospects, the team opted to bring him back for the final match of IPL 2025.

Nair had not played since May 5, but this match marked a new chapter. On the day of the game, the BCCI announced his selection for the England tour, which infused him with renewed confidence as he entered Jaipur Stadium. It felt like he was rediscovering his purpose after an eight-year absence.

With Delhi needing to chase down 207 runs, Nair stepped up to anchor the innings, falling just six runs short of his second fifty of IPL 2025. His steady performance kept Delhi in contention during the match. Although the loss of wickets disrupted the flow after KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis were dismissed, Nair's presence helped stabilize the innings.

Nair hit four consecutive boundaries against Praveen Dubey in the 11th over and later took on Marco Jansen and Harpreet Brar. With Sameer Rizvi also performing well at the other end, Delhi appeared on track to win their final game of the season, which they ultimately did, even though Nair was not there to witness the victory.