Well, well. Karun Nair has announced his IPL comeback and how. The 33-year-old, playing his first match after over 1000 days struck a fifty in only 22 deliveries, as he hit the best bowler in the world, MI’s Jasprit Bumrah for two sixes and three overs in just two overs. What is even more important is, this was his first fifty in the IPL after a gap of 7 years, eventually ending with 89 in just 40 deliveries.
Karun Nair vs Jasprit Bumrah
The last time Karun Nair had slammed a fifty was in IPL 2018, when he plied his trade for Punjab Kings. Meanwhile, upon his return to IPL, he was in a punishing mood already. He was quick off the blocks and started dealing in boundaries, as DC were chasing a huge target of 206 against MI.
What is important to note is, Karun only got a chance in the DC playing XI as their vice-captain Faf du Plessis was out injured of the match. Coming back to his innings, this also happens to be his 10th fifty in the tournament, with three of them coming in 2016 for DC.
- Karun Nair in 2024-25 Season
- 1. (Syed Mushtaq Ali) M-6, R-255, HS-77, AVG-42.50, SR-177.08
- 2. (Vijay Hazare Trophy) M-9, R-779, HS-163, AVG-389.50, SR-124.04
- 3. (Ranji Trophy) M-9, R-863, HS-135, AVG-53.93, SR-49.59
Karun Nair, Remember the Name
It must be reminded to one and all, that is no flash in the pan success for Karun. He has had an excellent domestic season for Vidarbha. In the 6 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches, he scored 255 runs at an average of 42, and a strike-rate of 177. Come the Vijay Hazare Trophy, in 9 matches, he raked up a massive 779 runs at an average of 389, which really brought him back in the IPL reckoning.
The highlight of his stunning innings in DC vs MI was, when he flicked Bumrah for a six over deep square leg, which stunned one and all, including the broadcasters. The tiff with Bumrah did not end there, as while attempting a run, the duo collided, with the bowler going to have a word with him.
Karun might not have ended with a ton on the day, but him upsetting Bumrah perhaps means much more, and might just open the gates of Team India once again for him.
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