IPL 2025: Karun Nair’s Resurrection – A Return to His Vintage Best
NEW DELHI: In a breathtaking display of classic batsmanship, Karun Nair reminded the cricketing world of his undeniable talent with a match-defining 89 off just 40 balls for Delhi Capitals against the formidable Mumbai Indians on Sunday night. Yet, in his trademark understated style, Nair downplayed his heroics at the post-match briefing, saying, ‘There’s no point dwelling on my innings. I played well, but I couldn’t finish the game.’
Three years is an eternity in the fast-evolving world of T20 cricket, especially in the high-octane Indian Premier League (IPL). Since Nair last donned an IPL jersey, the game has transformed—scoring rates have skyrocketed, and aggressive power-hitting has become the norm. However, the 33-year-old right-hander stayed true to his roots, blending elegance with precision rather than succumbing to the modern trend of manufactured shots. This approach has been the cornerstone of his resurgence, both in domestic cricket and now on the IPL stage.
‘I’ve played in the IPL before, so the gap of years doesn’t bother me. I knew I wasn’t walking into something entirely alien,’ Nair confidently stated after dismantling an attack featuring world-class bowlers like Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah. His game plan was refreshingly simple—focus on timing, exploit gaps, and trust his instincts. ‘I told myself to take my time, play my natural shots, and adapt only when necessary. Fortunately, it worked,’ he added with a modest smile.
Nair’s innings was a masterclass in traditional strokeplay. From textbook front-foot drives to deft pick-up shots off his pads, he dismantled Mumbai’s bowling with finesse rather than brute force. Facing a daunting target of 206, he hit the ground running, ensuring the momentum never slipped. ‘I didn’t want to disrupt my flow. Bumrah is arguably the best bowler in the world right now, so I had to stay sharp. I picked my areas and executed my shots there,’ Nair explained, reflecting on his calculated assault.
Yet, for all his brilliance, Nair knows such opportunities are hard-earned at this stage of his career. His inclusion in the playing XI came only due to the absence of Delhi Capitals’ regular captain, Faf du Plessis. Ironically, it was the Impact Player rule—introduced during his time away from the IPL—that paved the way for his comeback. ‘We knew as batters on the bench, we had to be ready for any chance that came our way,’ Nair noted. He also acknowledged the rule’s broader influence, saying, ‘The Impact Player rule has been a game-changer. It gives batters more freedom to express themselves, leading to higher scores. It’s helped teams tremendously.’
While the rule may have liberatedmany batters, for Karun Nair, the shackles he broke were far more personal. After years of battling inconsistency and limited opportunities, this knock could be a turning point. With a career IPL tally of 1,576 runs at a strike rate of 127.59 across 76 matches (as of IPL 2023), Nair has always had the potential to dominate. Sunday’s performance was a reminder of the player who once scored a stunning triple century (303 not out) in Test cricket against England in 2016, becoming only the second Indian to achieve the feat after Virender Sehwag.
As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, Nair’s resurgence offers a narrative of grit and grace. In an era dominated by power hitters, his vintage style stands out as a refreshing anomaly. Can this be the start of a second chapter for the Karnataka batter? Only time will tell, but for now, Karun Nair is back—and how!