Karun Nair produced one of the most explosive knocks of IPL 2025, smashing 89 runs off just 40 balls at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. Making a comeback after three years Nair made the most of his chance as an Impact Player but his efforts weren’t enough as Delhi Capitals fell short by 12 runs against Mumbai Indians.

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Nair’s comeback innings was nothing short of sensational. He took on Jasprit Bumrah arguably the best bowler in world cricket and smashed 26 runs off just nine balls against him.

Speaking after the game, Nair said:

“Obviously, I was confident, and I was playing; I was in the flow, and I didn’t want to stop the flow, so it was about picking the right balls and playing to the areas that I wanted to play, and he is the best bowler at the moment in world cricket, so I had to be very watchful of where he is going to bowl, but again, I just backed myself and backed the areas that I wanted to score.”

He also opened up about being prepared for the opportunity:

“Look, obviously, we lost an important player in Faf, and we always knew there were a few of us who were sitting outside who are batsmen who should be and have to be ready at any given time. So mentally I was ready and looking forward to the chance whenever it came. So I am really happy that I got the opportunity. It’s about me now, going out there and capitalising on that opportunity.”

Chasing 206, DC were cruising at 119/1 in 10.1 overs, but things took a shocking turn. The team lost nine wickets for just 73 runs, derailing what looked like a comfortable chase.

“We were not able to stitch partnerships, which is important in T20. But that happens because we are all looking to score runs quickly, and like I said before, it’s a learning, and we have to take this forward in the next games and keep up the winning momentum that we have,” Nair said.