Karun Nair, the hero of Delhi Capitals’ previous match, faced a disappointing dismissal in Match 32 of IPL 2025 against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 16. Coming off a sensational 89-run innings, Karun was run out for a three-ball duck at the non-striker’s end. The mix-up occurred after an inside edge from Abishek Porel deflected off his pad toward the backward point. Karun had already committed to the run but was sent back too late. Sandeep Sharma collected the throw and hit the stumps, catching Karun just short.

This unfortunate run-out marked the second wicket for Delhi Capitals. The first breakthrough came when Jofra Archer dismissed Jake Fraser-McGurk. The delivery rushed onto the batter, who attempted a wild swing, only to mistime it. Yashasvi Jaiswal made no mistake at extra cover, taking a simple catch. Despite the early losses, Delhi had a strong start, with Porel taking charge of the scoring and keeping the momentum alive.

Earlier in the evening, Rajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to bowl first. Both teams remained unchanged from their previous games. Delhi Capitals entered the match after a narrow 12-run loss to Mumbai Indians at home, while Rajasthan Royals were looking to bounce back from a heavy nine-wicket defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Heading into this match, DC had secured four wins in the tournament, while RR had registered two victories so far in IPL 2025.

வந்த உடனே கிளம்பிட்டாரு Karun Nair... 🚶🏻

📺 தொடர்ந்து காணுங்கள் | Tata IPL 2025 | DC vs RR | Star Sports தமிழ் 1, 2 & JioHotstar-ல்#IPLOnJioStar #IPL2025 #TATAIPL #DCvRR pic.twitter.com/Ha2zdWwc5d

— Star Sports Tamil (@StarSportsTamil) April 16, 2025

Also Read:-"Russell’s Bat Checked – Was the Power Hidden Inside?"

Delhi Capitals score 188 against RR, batting first

Delhi Capitals posted a competitive total of 188/5 in their allotted 20 overs after being put in to bat by Rajasthan Royals. The innings got off to a flying start thanks to a blazing knock from Jake Fraser-McGurk, who hammered 96 off just 64 balls, including 9 fours and 6 sixes, before being dismissed by Jofra Archer. Abishek Porel played a supporting role with a brisk 49 off 37 deliveries. However, the momentum dipped in the middle overs as Karun Nair was run out for a duck, and KL Rahul's slow 38 off 32 balls stalled the run flow.

Delhi's innings got back on track in the death overs with impactful cameos from Tristan Stubbs and Axar Patel. Both batters scored 34 runs each, with strike rates of 188.89 and 242.86, respectively, injecting momentum into the back end of the innings. Ashutosh Sharma chipped in with an unbeaten 15 to finish things off. Rajasthan’s bowling attack was led by Jofra Archer, who claimed two wickets, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana took one apiece. Sandeep Sharma had a tough outing, leaking 33 runs in his 4 overs. DC also benefited from 9 extras and made a strong start in the powerplay, reaching 46 runs in the first six overs. Despite the dip in the middle phase, their explosive finish ensured a strong total on the board, putting pressure back on the Rajasthan Royals heading into the chase.

The 32nd match of the IPL 2025 has been scheduled for Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals (DC vs RR), which will be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium (Delhi) on Wednesday evening (April 16). Let's check the Dream11 top captains and vice-captains for the DC vs RR match. 

IPL 2025, Match 32: DC vs RR Probable XIs

Delhi Capitals Predicted Playing XI: Faf du Plessis/Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, Tristan Stubbs, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (Captain), Ashutosh Sharma/Mukesh Kumar (Impact Sub), Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, Mohit Sharma

IPL 2025, Match 32: DC vs RR Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Dream11 Captain choices

KL Rahul: KL Rahul is in great form with the bat as he scored two match-winning half-centuries for his team this season out of four matches. After scoring 77 runs against Chennai Super Kings, he also scored another match-winning 93 not out against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, when DC were struggling in the chase.  

Kuldeep Yadav: While Kuldeep Yadav is the leading wicket-taker for the Delhi franchise in the IPL 2025 with 10 wickets, he holds the best economy rate (5.60) among the overall bowlers this IPL season, who have delivered a minimum of 10 overs.  

Yashasvi Jaiswal: In the last three matches, RR opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scored two half-centuries, where the left-handed batter scored 67, 6, and 75 runs. We may see another good contest between Jaiswal and Mitchell Starc. 

Top 3 Dream11 Vice-captain choices

Karun Nair: During Delhi Capitals' last game, Karun Nair made his IPL comeback after two years and played his best IPL knock ever with a fiery 89 off 40 balls with 12 fours and five sixes, while chasing the 206-run target. He is in dream form with the bat, and he is proving it continuously. 

Mitchell Starc: After recording a three-wicket haul and a fifer in his first two matches of the season, Mitchell Starc took only one wicket in the last three games, including wicketless in the last two games. While RR batting is facing challenges, Starc can be a dangerous option for the Delhi Capitals. 

Sanju Samson: RR captain Sanju Samson's big problem is inconsistency. However, the right-handed batter has shown positive intensity this season, as he has scored  66, 13, 20, 38, 41, and 15 runs, respectively. 

After a stellar domestic season in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, Karun Nair showcased his T20 prowess with a thrilling 89-run knock in the Delhi Capitals vs. Mumbai Indians clash on April 13. His aggressive yet composed batting kept the excitement high, as he rotated strike smoothly and took on the bowlers with confidence. The crowd at Arun Jaitley Stadium was fully behind him as he played one of the most impactful innings of the match.

However, tensions briefly flared in the middle when Karun Nair and Jasprit Bumrah exchanged a few heated words. The situation escalated momentarily, prompting Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya to step in and calm both players. Meanwhile, former captain Rohit Sharma stood at a distance, not directly involved in the conversation but closely observing the drama unfold on the field.

As Nair returned to his crease after a chat with Hardik, the camera panned to Rohit Sharma, who appeared to enjoy the scene with a few animated facial expressions. Though no longer MI’s captain, Rohit still managed to leave his mark with his body language and presence, quietly influencing the atmosphere without uttering a word. His silent theatrics reminded fans of his enduring charisma and leadership aura on the field.

Read More: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Tim David pranks Virat Kohli after team's victory over Rajasthan Royals

Watch the video here:

The average Delhi vs Mumbai debate in comments section 🫣

Don't miss @ImRo45 's reaction at the end 😁

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/QAuja88phU#IPLonJioStar 👉 #DCvMI | LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/FPt0XeYaqS

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 13, 2025

Jasprit Bumrah denied making any apology to Nair

The incident took place when the DC batter was trying to take a double. It seems that Nair was looking at the ball when he collided with Bumrah. The batter apologized to Jasprit without any positive outcome. Bumrah was looking angry as he thought that Karun pushed him deliberately. The matter was settled when the umpire and Pandya came between them. 

Delhi Capitals was chasing Mumbai Indians' 205 well when Karun Nair was on the pitch. Karun's departure proved to be the decisive moment of the match. Mumbai Indians stayed ahead of DC only by 12 runs.

The 29th match of IPL 2025 was played between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi. In this match, Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals by 12 runs and won a spectacular victory. Mumbai Indians had set a target of 206 runs in front of the Delhi Capitals. In response, the Delhi Capitals team had scored 135 runs in the 12th over at the loss of two wickets at one point and the team's victory seemed easy. But after Karun Nair was out for 89 runs, the entire innings fell apart, and the Delhi Capitals team lost the match.

Talking about this match, batting first, Mumbai Indians scored 205 runs for the loss of five wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. In which Ryan Rickelton scored 41 runs in 25 balls, Suryakumar Yadav scored 40 runs in 28 balls, Tilak Verma scored 59 runs in 33 balls, and Naman Dheer scored 38 runs in 17 balls. Rohit Sharma once again flopped and was out LBW on Vipraaj Nigam's ball after scoring 18 runs in 12 balls. But despite this, the Mumbai Indians team scored a big score. Vipraj Nigam took two wickets for 41 runs in four overs from the Delhi Capitals team. Apart from this, Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs. Mukesh Kumar also had success.

Karun Nair's storm came in the run chase

Chasing the target of 206 runs, Delhi lost Jack Fraser McGurk on the very first ball, who hit Deepak Chahar's ball straight into the hands of Will Jacks in the covers. Delhi brought Karun in as an impact player, and he shared a 119-run partnership with Abhishek Porel (33). This put Delhi in a strong position. Karun played a stormy game and gave wings to Delhi's run rate. During this, he scored 18 runs in one over of Bumrah and hit a fifty in 22 balls. Karun scored an IPL fifty after seven years. He did not spare any bowler of Mumbai. Karn Sharma, who was playing as an impact player in place of Rohit Sharma, gave Delhi the second blow by dismissing Porel. After this, Mumbai made a comeback.

ALSO READ: Karun Nair announces his IPL comeback in style with blazing knock against MI after 7 years

Karun Nair, who was batting well, was bowled by Mitchell Santner. Captain Akshar Patel (9), Tristan Stubbs (1) and KL Rahul (15) were dismissed cheaply. This brought Delhi's score to 160 for six wickets. Karun Nair played a fiery innings of 89 runs for Delhi but lost nine wickets for 74 runs and the match slipped out of hand. Karun Nair, who was playing IPL after three years, had 12 fours and three sixes in his innings. Karn Sharma took three wickets and Mitchell Santner took two wickets for Mumbai.

Twitter reactions after MI wins 29th match of IPL 2025

MI ended DC's winning streak 🫡🔥!.
MI is back 😭🔥🔥.#DCvsMI #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/oEPhvywR3z

— vision (@vision_004) April 13, 2025

Finally we got our second win 🥹✨
Congrats @mipaltan 🩵..#DCvsMI pic.twitter.com/6XUI6Qhk2o

— Deepthi 🦋 (@deepthi_deeps13) April 13, 2025

Bruhhh what was this matchhhhh it seriously felt like DC is way ahead and fuckkk MI actually won this matchhhh!!!!??? This is nothing less than CINEMA.#MIvsDC #DCvsMI pic.twitter.com/uiBV79ub2C

— Asɪғ (@lucky_demon_) April 13, 2025

MI breaking it's loosing streak and DC breaking it's winning streak #mivsdc pic.twitter.com/PTNFUvsbhS

— sankastics (@runwal_sanket) April 13, 2025

Only team to beat DC this season 😎💥
Luv u 3000 @Jaspritbumrah93 💙💙
Well done bois @mipaltan #MIvsDC pic.twitter.com/L7l0YJqpsk

— Jack (@Urs_jack10) April 13, 2025

FUXKK WE DID IT.. PALTANNN WON.. I WON.. LESGOO PARTY BEGINS NOW @mipaltan #DCvsMI pic.twitter.com/zGeiY61ra7

— mizan (@mizsayani) April 13, 2025

what a comeback😭 finally done it beating the undefeated delhi🔥
what a thriller🥵🥵🥵#IPLonJioStar #DCvsMI #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/ym9qRR6w9W

— Suriya (@RJsuriya21) April 13, 2025

Reason behind MI's win against DC today - pic.twitter.com/siFn5nD4iZ

— Raghav Masoom (@comedibanda) April 13, 2025

Just MI things

They lost to bottom placed CSK
They win against undefeated DC team pic.twitter.com/LIEBf8CibK

— D...K (@DarkNghtUvacha) April 13, 2025

It’s really a foolish loss by @DelhiCapitals when the game is actually in your hands till the end.

Congrats @mipaltan #mivsdc #DCvsMI #tataipl

DC fans be like — pic.twitter.com/qI4gqcCvD3

— Fan of Sunrisers Hyd (Follow Me & get Follow Back) (@fanofsrhhyd) April 13, 2025

It was a night to remember in the Arun Jaitley Stadium as Karun Nair rewound the clock with an aggressive 89 from 40 balls, his first IPL half-century in seven years. As a game-changing replacement, the 33-year-old was on a mission, decimating the bowling attack of the Mumbai Indians (MI) and paving the way for Delhi Capitals' pursuit of 206.

Karun Nair walked in as early as the second ball of the innings following Jake Fraser-McGurk’s golden duck. What unfolded next was a batting masterclass from the right-hander. Facing the formidable Jasprit Bumrah, Nair confidently struck two boundaries in the pacer’s opening over. He then went on a rampage in Bumrah’s next, smashing two massive sixes and collecting 18 runs off it. By the end of the powerplay, Delhi Capitals had raced to 72 runs—largely due to Nair’s explosive start at the crease.

This match marked Karun Nair’s first appearance in the 2025 season, brought in as a replacement for the injured Faf du Plessis. Acquired for ₹50 lakh in the mega auction, the right-hander had spent the first four games on the sidelines before finally getting his opportunity—and he seized it in style. Nair’s blistering innings included 12 boundaries and 5 towering sixes, the highlight being a flicked maximum off Jasprit Bumrah that even earned a slow clap from MI captain Hardik Pandya. Although Nair was eventually dismissed by Mitchell Santner, he had already placed Delhi Capitals in a commanding position.

ALSO SEE: Devdutt Padikkal becomes second batter to score 1000 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL

Karun Nair's Comeback Story

Once a Test triple-centurion, Karun Nair had faded from the spotlight in recent years. His last IPL half-century came back in 2018, and despite being part of the LSG squad in 2023, he didn’t get a single game. However, his impressive performances on the domestic circuit during the 2024-25 season made a strong case for his return to the big stage.

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: 255 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 177

Vijay Hazare Trophy: 779 runs, getting out only once, with a surreal average of 389.50, hitting five hundreds

Ranji Trophy: 863 runs from 16 innings as Vidarbha won the title

It was on 10 December 2022 that Nair tweeted, "Dear cricket, give me one more chance." And it was on this Sunday evening of April 2025 that he grabbed that opportunity with both hands.

THE ICONIC COMEBACK OF KARUN NAIR. 🙇‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/bCene5YI3Q

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 13, 2025

KARUN NAIR SMASHING THE GREATEST BOWLER OF THIS ERA 🥶 pic.twitter.com/xk3a6uRUN3

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 13, 2025

MI Set the Stage With 205/5

Earlier, MI had scored 205/5 after being sent to bat. Tilak Varma's fifty in just 26 balls, Surya Kumar Yadav's elegant 40, and a late burst by Naman Dhir propelled the visitors to a commanding total. Rohit Sharma (18) and Ryan Rickelton (41 off 25) provided MI with a quick start, but Kuldeep Yadav and young Vipraj Nigam brought MI back with key wickets.

ALSO SEE: IPL 2025: Tristan Stubbs drops catch fearing collision with Jake Fraser-McGurk in DC vs MI clash

Vipraj was particularly dominant, taking three huge wickets: Rohit, Surya, and Hardik Pandya. DC had MI reeling at 146/4 after 15 overs at one stage. Tilak and Dhir later contributed crucial runs in the death overs to take MI beyond 200.

This tweet from Karun Nair "aged like a fine wine"... Finally he has shown to the world what he is really capable of !. https://t.co/tXYO7YLGis pic.twitter.com/xowl1JLosQ

— 𝙼я.ℓєσ⁰⁷ιѕм🦁 (@Mahi_TheLeo07) April 13, 2025

Nair's thrilling innings went viral on social media. Fans cheered the fairytale return of a player who had waited patiently and worked tirelessly in domestic cricket for two years. His knock also initiated discussions about the need to provide domestic performers with a genuine opportunity in the IPL framework. At the end of the game, DC lost the match and went all-out for 193 in 19 overs.

Karun Nair stole the spotlight at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday with a blistering assault on Jasprit Bumrah, hammering 18 runs off a single over and putting the MI pace spearhead on the back foot. In the sixth over of Delhi Capitals’ innings, Nair launched two back-to-back sixes and a four, finishing the over with two more boundaries to complete a remarkable 18-run display.

Bumrah, known for his pinpoint accuracy, had a rare off day, conceding 29 runs from just two overs—an uncharacteristic outing in his otherwise consistent IPL career. Nair’s explosive 89-run knock looked destined for a century before it was cut short, but his fearless hitting laid a solid foundation for Delhi Capitals in their high-pressure chase.

Also read: Top 5 Highest Individual Scores in IPL History

The competition became intensely competitive shortly after it began. The Capitals faced a major setback when their established batters KL Rahul and Axar Patel got out quickly just after the team had established control in the match. Both Ashutosh Sharma and Viparaj Nigam (DC) face the challenge of bringing their team safely home with 160 runs scored during 15.3 overs, while the team remains at 160 runs for six wickets.  The chase after Nair's fireworks has evolved into a mental test for the lower-order batters to demonstrate their reserved abilities. The remaining batters of DC now face the challenge of securing victory while defending the team's undefeated streak as they aim for a minimal victory.

Making an IMPACT with INTENT 👊

Karun Nair takes on Jasprit Bumrah to reach his #TATAIPL FIFTY after 7⃣ years 💙

Updates ▶ https://t.co/sp4ar866UD#DCvMI | @DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/C7a59EkjxD

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 13, 2025

Also read: ISL VS PES : Match 5 Weather and Pitch Report – PSL 2025

MI win by 12 runs

In a thrilling IPL 2025 showdown, Mumbai Indians clinched a narrow 12-run victory over Delhi Capitals in front of a packed stadium. Batting first, MI put up an imposing total of 205/5, thanks to a powerful 59 from Tilak Varma and a blazing unbeaten 38 off 17 deliveries by Naman Dhir. Kuldeep Yadav stood out for DC with figures of 2/23, while Vipraj Nigam made an impact by removing both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya.

Chasing 206, Delhi Capitals suffered an early setback as Jake Fraser-McGurk departed on the very first ball. However, Karun Nair rose to the occasion with a sensational knock of 89 off just 40 balls, laced with 12 boundaries and 5 sixes, keeping DC’s hopes alive. Abishek Porel added 33, but frequent wickets after Nair's dismissal derailed the chase.

Karn Sharma’s 3-wicket haul proved decisive, while Mitchell Santner’s two crucial breakthroughs—including that of the well-set Nair—helped MI regain control. Despite reaching 193 in 19 overs, Delhi fell short as Mumbai’s bowlers held firm under pressure. The victory earned MI two valuable points and ended Delhi Capitals' unbeaten run in dramatic fashion.

After an unforgettable domestic cricket season, Karun Nair returns to the IPL in a fiery fashion as his stormy batting disrupted strong Mumbai Indians bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah.

The 33-year-old Karun Nair made his IPL return after two years, as he was the impact sub for Delhi Capitals against Mumbai Indians in Delhi during the 29th match of the IPL 2025. The no.3 batter came to the crease on the second ball after the DC opener Jake Fraser-McGurk was dismissed for a golden duck. 

Karun Nair makes IPL comeback with his highest IPL score

IPL 2025 unbeaten side Delhi Capitals was chasing the 206-run target. It was Karun Nair who started to bash Mumbai Indians bowlers to make the chasing story incredible. At the end of the powerplay, Nair's fiery batting made the hosts the little favourite in the high chase, as Delhi Capitals scored 72/1 in six overs, and Nair scored 50 runs in 22 balls with eight fours and two sixes.  

It was Nair's first IPL half-century in seven years (last time recorded in 2018), while he also missed out on the last two IPL seasons. After the powerplay, his boundary hitting was at rest for sometimes, but he fired back from the tenth over. Before Mitchell Santner dismissed Nair, the right-handed batter slammed a six and four fours in the previous five straight balls. Nair scored 89 runs off 40 balls with the help of 12 fours and five sixes. It was also his highest score in his IPL career, while his previous best was 83 not out in the IPL 2016. 

See Also: Devdutt Padikkal becomes second batter to score 1000 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL

Jasprit Bumrah vs Karun Nair: 26 runs in 9 balls in powerplay

Even Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult had no clue how to stop Nair. Nair slammed 26 runs off nine balls to Bumrah in the powerplay, including hitting three fours and two sixes. Nair also hit three fours to Boult in the powerplay. 

Making an IMPACT with INTENT 👊

Karun Nair takes on Jasprit Bumrah to reach his #TATAIPL FIFTY after 7⃣ years 💙

Updates ▶ https://t.co/sp4ar866UD#DCvMI | @DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/C7a59EkjxD

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 13, 2025

KARUN NAIR SMASHING THE GREATEST BOWLER OF THIS ERA 🥶 pic.twitter.com/xk3a6uRUN3

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 13, 2025

KARUN NAIR SMASHED AN IPL FIFTY AFTER 7 YEARS..!!!

- 50* from just 22 balls against Mumbai Indians, What a knock 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oXVutPZ1tt

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 13, 2025

Karun Nair here you go🔥 pic.twitter.com/Adsj9KFGS5

— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) April 13, 2025

Nothing but Respect for Karun Nair 🙌

A true fighter Karun for Delhi Capitals.#DCvsMI #KarunNair #MIvsDC pic.twitter.com/Ca2bHWOFDL

— Ashutosh Srivastava (@Sri_Ashutosh008) April 13, 2025

Karun Nair — A Silent Warrior Who Lets His Bat Speak!
Underrated,
Unstoppable,
Undeniably talented.
Keep shining, champ. ❣️#KarunNair👏👏#DCvsMI #MIvsDC pic.twitter.com/kbsFluwwRY

— HEEBA KHAN (@HeebaKhan86) April 13, 2025

Karun Nair ❤️❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/085arkkV1V

— Srini Mama (@SriniMaama16) April 13, 2025

Nothing but Respect for Karun Nair🙌

A true fighter! pic.twitter.com/Oe3jrf8Vzo

— कट्टर KKR समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) April 13, 2025

Karun Nair reaction after match https://t.co/0f6nBFZa0L pic.twitter.com/gecb4qKaiw

— Harishwar Reddy (@ReddyMnc16) April 13, 2025

Karun nair :

-Made 303 in test cricket but dropped
- faced almost death ☠️ in 2016
- not played IPL for 2 season's

Today he made a dream comeback with mighty Mumbai Indians 🔥 pic.twitter.com/24hvTDDL3m

— 𝗗𝗥𝗔GON 🐲🐉 (@DragonMovie9999) April 13, 2025

Karun Nair, welcome back to the IPL.
No noise. No drama. Just pure cricket and hunger.#DCvsMI #MIvsDC pic.twitter.com/lyOkDvgwE2

— Chai_Sutta (@Chai_SuttaGuy) 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

Match number 29 of IPL 2025 between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) turned out to be a high-scoring thriller filled with boundaries and sixes, thanks to the batting-friendly conditions. However, one moment away from the bat-and-ball action that drew fans' attention was a tense exchange between veteran Indian batter Karun Nair and pace ace Jasprit Bumrah.

The incident occurred in the sixth over of the DC innings when Karun Nair, batting fluently on 48, took on Bumrah's final delivery and tried to sneak a second run. During the second run, Nair accidentally bumped into Bumrah. Though he immediately apologized after completing the run, the moment seemed to spark tension.

Also Read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Axar Patel's acrobatic effort saves a certain six against MI in match number 29

During the strategic timeout that followed, Bumrah was seen having an animated discussion with Nair. The cameras later captured Nair explaining the situation to MI captain Hardik Pandya, who appeared to calm things down, gesturing that it was right. The brief altercation added a bit of drama to an otherwise entertaining encounter, reminding everyone of the intense emotions involved in high-stakes matches like the IPL.

Watch the video here

Rohit's Reaction on whole Bumrah-Karun Nair Controversy 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/vUDQM8FiZW

— ADARSH (@Adarshdvn45) April 13, 2025

Mumbai Indians scored 205 runs in their 20 overs

In Match 29 of IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians (MI) posted a strong total of 205/5 in their 20 overs. Tilak Varma led the charge with a brilliant 59 off 33 balls, supported by Rickelton (41), Suryakumar Yadav (40), and Naman Dhir (38*). Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam picked up two wickets each for Delhi Capitals (DC).

In response, DC are currently 128/2 in 11 overs, chasing at an impressive rate of 11.64. Karun Nair was the standout performer, smashing an unbeaten 85 off just 38 balls. He was well supported by Abishek Porel, who scored 33. Despite losing early wickets, DC’s aggressive approach, especially from Nair, kept them in the hunt. MI’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah conceding heavily. The game was evenly poised, promising a thrilling finish.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a platform where talent meets opportunity. However, with fierce competition and team combinations at play, several deserving players often find themselves warming the bench. As IPL 2025 progresses, a handful of skilled cricketers have yet to feature in the playing XI despite showing immense promise and consistent performances in domestic and previous IPL seasons. In this article, we take a look at the top 5 unused players in IPL 2025 who truly deserve a chance to showcase their potential on the big stage;

Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Vaibhav Suryavanshi is an emerging young Indian cricketer who has already made a significant impact in domestic cricket. Known for his aggressive playing style and exceptional ability to score runs, he has quickly gained popularity among fans. Suryavanshi has become a valuable asset to his team and is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Indian cricket.

His performances have garnered praise from both fans and analysts, and he is seen as a future star of Indian cricket. As he progresses in his career, his performances in the IPL will be closely followed by both fans and selectors.

Shaik Rashid

Shaik Rashid is a talented Indian cricketer who has made a name for himself as a reliable all-rounder. Known for his calm and composed demeanor on the field, Rashid has earned the respect of both teammates and opponents. As a batter, he shows solid technique and consistency, often anchoring the innings when needed.

Additionally, the youngster can also contribute with the ball as a useful bowler and adds value in the field with his athleticism. His all-around capabilities make him a valuable asset to any team, and his balanced skill set continues to draw admiration across the cricketing circuit. With CSK struggling with poor form, the inclusion of Rasheed can be critical for the team's success.

Rovman Powell

Rovman Powell, the dynamic Jamaican cricketer, is widely known for his explosive batting and aggressive style at the crease. A fan-favorite in the T20 format, Powell’s ability to score quick runs and put pressure on the opposition makes him a key player in any lineup.

Renowned for his powerful hitting, he can change the course of a game within a few overs. In addition to his batting prowess, Powell is also a reliable fielder, adding value to his team with his athleticism. His all-around capabilities make him a vital asset in the fast-paced world of modern cricket.

Karun Nair

Karun Nair is a stylish Indian batter known for his elegant stroke play and ability to build big innings. With a calm and composed approach at the crease, he has played a crucial roles in many of his team’s victories. The talismanic right-hand batter has been in rich form leading up to IPL 2025, consistently scoring runs in domestic cricket. 

His performances have caught attention once again, and he is keen on making a strong case for a comeback to the Indian national side. Along with his sharp fielding, Nair’s experience and class make him a valuable asset in any playing XI.

Also Read:-IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans Lose Key Player Glenn Phillips to Injury

Swastik Chikara

Swastik Chikara is a promising young Indian cricketer, widely considered one of the nation’s brightest emerging talents. As a dynamic all-rounder, he has the ability to score quick runs and contribute with the ball, making him a valuable asset in the limited-overs format. With his skill set and determination, Chikara is poised to become a future star.

He possesses immense potential and is steadily building a reputation as both a dependable batter and a handy bowler. His all-round abilities make him a key player in any squad he represents. 

Alongside Chikara, there are several other standout cricketers who represent the elite class of global talent. These athletes are not only highly skilled but also deeply passionate and dedicated to the sport. With their relentless drive and talent, they are well on their way to reaching greater heights in the years to come.

Karun Nair may be returning to the India A team for the tour to England since he was last part of the Indian set-up in 2018. Coming back to the fold would represent a remarkable step for him considering he has not played international cricket since 2018.

The 33-year old sprinter is remembered for the phenomenal 303 not out he scored against England during a Test in Channai in 2016. During the 2023-24 season Nair scored more than 600 runs achieving multiple 100’s that highlighted his form while competing in the Ranji Trophy and cemented his claim for a return into the Indian setup.

While hoping to secure a spot in the Indian National Team the England tour will also test his technique and discipline. In addition, considering the current state of the Indian team his performance could help him earn a spot in the senior team and would be very favorable for him.

🚨 KARUN NAIR FOR ENGLAND TOUR 🚨

- Karun Nair likely to be included in the India A team for the England tour. [PTI] pic.twitter.com/9ryPIwnj1f

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 27, 2025

Also Read: RCB playing 11 vs CSK IPL 2025 match 8

There is hope from fans that this tour will help Nair resurrect his career which has seen him go through troubled waters of competition, consistency and emerging victorious with a triple century. Nair makes for a compelling story especially with a strong performance in England coupled with Indias packed Test calendar along with many young players looking to solidify their claim. 

A tour of Nair is an awesome avenue for him to exhibit his worth to add a supplementary chapter to his inspiring cricketing. The devoted crowd will not leave any stone unturned, as they will be eyeing not only his performance but also will be eager to know if he is creating an argument in favor of him being back to the national squad.