IPL 2025 | It was all about preparing well and waiting for my chance: Karun Nair

Karun Nair's rollercoaster career sees a resurgence with a stellar IPL performance, proving his worth once again.

From scoring a Test triple ton for India in 2016 to falling out of favour in Karnataka’s domestic set-up in 2022, Karun Nair’s career has had a stark mix of dizzying highs and dispiriting lows. The disappointments could have made a lesser player fade into oblivion, but the 33-year-old has persisted and taken the “one more chance” that he exhorted cricket to give in a viral social media post three years ago.

His career has seen a sharp upturn in the past few months, racking up a pile of runs for Vidarbha in domestic cricket to once again merit the attention of the national selectors. On the basis of his sublime showing for Delhi Capitals against Mumbai Indians in the IPL on Sunday, that trajectory is at no risk of flattening anytime soon.

In his first IPL game in three years, his knock of 89 off 40 balls at the Arun Jaitley Stadium nearly took DC to victory in a run chase of 206. That he was returning to the high-profile T20 league after a long gap didn’t affect his mindset.

“I had the confidence that I have played before and I knew how it was going to be. I felt like I am well-prepared to play in the IPL if given the opportunity,” Karun told reporters. “It was all about preparing the way I have all through the season and waiting for my chance. I was doing my bit to be ready for the game.”

Karun didn’t even spare Jasprit Bumrah. In the pacer’s first two overs, which leaked 29 runs, Karun slammed three fours and two sixes.

“I was in the flow. It was about picking the right balls and playing to the areas I wanted to play. Bumrah is the best bowler in world cricket. But I just backed myself.”