In a must-win IPL 2025 encounter versus Punjab Kings at Dharamshala, the Delhi Capitals chose to hand 21-year-old Madhav Tiwari a debut cap, putting the well-regarded Madhya Pradesh all-rounder on the radar. Tiwari replaced Vipraj Nigam in Match 58 of the season, and it was a brave call, as the left-arm wrist spin bowler had 9 wickets with valuable lower-order runs. Nevertheless, with Delhi looking to snap a three-match losing streak and stave off playoff elimination, the management felt the need to inject some excitement into their lineup.

Tiwari, who was bought by DC for ₹40 lakh in the 2025 auction, has made waves as an all-rounder in domestic cricket. Tiwari, who bats right-handed and bowls right-arm medium pace, comes from Mauganj, Madhya Pradesh, and had a good local reputation based on age-group tournaments and the MP T20 League. He captained his under-18 team to a title and scored a double century in a significant match. His bodacious hat trick in the last 2024 MP T20 League for the Bhopal Leopards turned heads and exclaimed to talent scouts that he can take wickets.

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Delhi Shakeup XI with Debuts and Dropped Stars

Delhi Capitals' decision to leave Vipraj Nigam and veteran performer Karun Nair out of the team reflects the seriousness of the situation. Nigam has performed with bat and ball as one of DC's better performers over the season, but management may choose Tiwari's two-for-one potential and youthful exuberance. Nair smashed a stunning 89 against MI earlier in the season, but he hasn't been consistent and was replaced by Sameer Rizvi.

Yasir Iyer won the toss for PBKS and opted to bat first with no changes for his unchanged XI, while Delhi Capitals were expected to continue with their blueprint for change in this must-win match. Madhav Tiwari is the spotlight debutant as Delhi hopes for some form of revival in their campaign with a new potential match-winning player for the future. His story shows the depth of young talent in the country, and IPL 2025 could be the platform to emerge.