Karun Nair Smashes Fifty in IPL After 7 Years
The 33-year-old Indian cricketer Karun Nair made a stunning comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday, hitting a 22-ball fifty against Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 2025 match against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Delhi. Nair’s remarkable innings marked his first fifty in the IPL after a gap of seven long years.
Nair, who has been a consistent performer in the domestic cricket circuit, made his IPL debut in 2016 and has represented several teams including Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Rajasthan Royals. However, his last fifty in the IPL came way back in 2018, when he scored a century against Gujarat Lions.
The 33-year-old was bought by Delhi Capitals for a whopping ₹50 lakh in the 2025 mega auction, and his performance against MI will certainly boost his confidence ahead of the remaining matches in the tournament. Nair’s 22-ball fifty, which included four boundaries and two sixes, was crucial in helping DC post a competitive total of 175/5 against MI.
Nair’s innings was a perfect blend of aggression and caution, as he started slowly, taking his time to get set before unleashing himself on the MI bowlers. His fifty came off 22 deliveries, which is his second-fastest fifty in the IPL. The first one came in 2016, when he scored a 32-ball fifty against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Nair’s comeback to the IPL after seven years has been a long time coming, and his performance against MI will certainly be a welcome relief for the DC fans. The 33-year-old has been in good form in the domestic circuit, scoring a century and two half-centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and List A matches respectively.
Nair’s ability to play all three formats of the game has been a major plus for DC, and his presence in the middle order will certainly give them an added dimension. His experience of playing in different conditions and against different types of bowlers will be invaluable to the team.
The match against MI was Nair’s first appearance in IPL 2025, and he made a statement by hitting a fifty in his first match. His innings was studded with boundaries and sixes, and he looked in good touch throughout his innings. Nair’s partnership with DC’s captain Rishabh Pant was particularly impressive, as they added 50 runs for the third wicket to set the tone for the innings.
Nair’s comeback to the IPL after seven years is a testament to his hard work and dedication. The 33-year-old has been working hard to regain his form and fitness, and his performance against MI will certainly give him a boost. His ability to perform under pressure will be crucial for DC, and his presence in the team will certainly give them an added advantage.
In conclusion, Karun Nair’s fifty against MI was a welcome relief for DC fans, and his performance will certainly give him a lot of confidence ahead of the remaining matches in the tournament. The 33-year-old’s ability to play all three formats of the game and his experience of playing in different conditions will be invaluable to the team.
