Karun Nair has marked his return to the T20 league after an impressive knock against Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025 game against Mumbai Indians.
Despite being away from the league for two seasons, he made a 40-ball 89 during the side’s run chase. He went on to hit two sixes in Jasprit Bumrah’s over which has not been done by many batters.
However, Delhi Suffered a 12-run defeat in the game. During the post-match presentation, Karun highlighted his preparation as a key to success saying that he gained confidence during the domestic season in which he aggregated 1870 runs for Vidarbha across formats.
While asked about his performance, Karun Nair gave a brilliant response, saying there was no value in speaking about it as the team lost.
“See, there’s no benefit in talking about that. I did play well, but my team lost the match, so it really doesn’t matter. There’s no value for me of such innings if my team can’t win,” Karun said in the press conference.
“Honestly, I had the confidence that I’ve played [IPL] before and I know how it’s going to be, and it’s nothing different that I’m going to be facing anything new,” said Karun Nair.
Welcome back to the IPL, Karun 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/QcLmXaxnY6
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 13, 2025
“So, but in my mind, it was just about going out there and giving myself a few balls and just getting used to the speed of the game again and the atmosphere,” said Nair.
He also spoke about hitting conventional shots during powerplay and then going for improvisations during the latter part of the innings.
“So I just told myself, ‘give yourself the time, play normal shots and then, you know, improvise when needed’. Fortunately, everything came off, and I’m happy that I batted well. But again, I would have loved that if the team had gone on to win.”
“Look, obviously, we lost an important player in Faf, and we always knew – the few of us batters who are sitting outside who should be and have to be ready at any given time. So, mentally, I was ready, and obviously looking forward to the chance, whenever it came,” added Nair.
“I felt confident. I felt like, I’m well prepared to play in the IPL if given the opportunity. So it was all about me preparing the way that I’ve been all through the season and waiting for my chance. So I was doing my bit to prepare and be ready for the game.
“It’s always a tough call for the team to pick 11 or 12 players, and I’ve always respected that. For me, it was about preparing and keeping the same process that I followed, which has worked for me, and just being ready to go out there and perform for the team,” concluded Karun Nair.
Delhi Capitals will play their next match against Rajasthan Royals on April 16 at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
