Karun Nair’s Explosive Comeback: A Seven-Year Wait Ends in Style

After a seven-year wait, Karun Nair has finally unleashed his fury in the IPL again. Playing for the Delhi Capitals (DC) as an Impact Player in his first IPL game of 2025, Nair raced to a blistering 22-ball fifty, smashing eight boundaries and two sixes. He took on the mighty Jasprit Bumrah, plundering 18 runs in a single over during the powerplay, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe. His innings, a breathtaking 89 off 40 balls, set the tone for DC’s chase despite the early loss of Jack Fraser-McGurk, who fell on the very first ball.

Nair’s journey has been a tale of highs and lows. After a golden year in 2016—where he made his ODI and Test debut and smashed a triple ton in just his third Test match, becoming only the second Indian to achieve the feat—his career hit a rough patch. Inconsistent performances and a lack of opportunities saw him dropped from the Indian team in 2018. He last played for India in 2017 and struggled in the IPL, managing just 16 runs in two outings for Rajasthan Royals in 2022. His last IPL fifty? Way back in 2018 for Punjab Kings.

But Nair never gave up. His recent domestic form has been nothing short of spectacular. In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, he piled on 863 runs in 16 innings, sending a loud message to the selectors. His explosive IPL knock is proof that the fire still burns bright.

This comeback is a reminder that true talent never fades. With fearless batting and a renewed hunger for success, Nair is poised to light up the IPL and potentially storm back into the Indian team. The stage is set for a heroic redemption.