Karun Nair emerged as a remarkable success story in domestic cricket across all formats during the past season. As India's only Test triple-centurion besides Virender Sehwag, he accumulated an impressive total of 863 runs during Vidarbha's victorious Ranji Trophy campaign. Additionally, he scored 779 runs in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy, boasting an extraordinary average of 389.50, and made 255 runs at a striking rate exceeding 170 in the 20-over Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

His outstanding performances in the white-ball formats attracted the attention of key decision-makers, particularly franchise owners. After not participating in the IPL for two consecutive years, the 33-year-old was re-signed by his former team, Delhi Capitals, at the November auction for his base price of ₹50 lakh. Nair, who previously captained the team for three matches in 2017 when they were known as Delhi Daredevils, will reunite with his former teammate KL Rahul. Together, they were instrumental in Karnataka's remarkable success in domestic cricket, where they secured six titles over two consecutive seasons from 2014-15.

Following the peak of his career, highlighted by an unforgettable unbeaten 303 against England in the Chennai Test in December 2016, Nair faced significant challenges. His Test career stagnated, and he lost his position in the Karnataka team due to a series of disappointing performances. However, his move to Vidarbha in 2023 has revitalized his career, and Nair is eager to seize this opportunity.

As IPL 2025 commenced, he remained patient, understanding that in a dynamic and powerful lineup, he might not be included in the initial playing XI. Nevertheless, he continued to work diligently, knowing that in a lengthy tournament like the IPL, his chance would eventually arrive. Even so, he may not have anticipated that his opportunity would come as soon as in his team's fifth match against the Mumbai Indians on Sunday.

Under the leadership of Axar Patel, the Capitals achieved victory in their first four matches as they arrived at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the national capital for the first time. With Faf du Plessis sidelined due to a groin injury, Nair stepped in as the Impact Player, replacing Mukesh Kumar. He was called upon to face the second delivery in pursuit of 206 runs for a fifth consecutive win, following the dismissal of Jake Fraser-McGurk on the very first ball bowled by Deepak Chahar.

Nair quickly found his rhythm, striking two boundaries on either side of a deep point in the subsequent over bowled by Trent Boult, propelling him forward. By the time Jasprit Bumrah took to the bowling crease, the agile right-hander had already amassed 19 runs off 11 balls, including four fours.

Bumrah vs Nair

Bumrah had missed the first four matches of MI’s season while recovering from lower-back surgery, but he demonstrated against Royal Challengers Bengaluru last Monday that he had fully returned to form after a three-month hiatus. Aware that Hardik Pandya relied on him for a breakthrough, he likely felt confident until he faced a focused Nair, who appeared completely in control as he unleashed his batting prowess on an unsuspecting crowd.

Nair's first significant impact came when he created some space against Bumrah’s fourth delivery of the evening, which was pitched on middle and leg. He elegantly drove the ball over cover for a boundary. It was a stunning and bold shot that left Bumrah visibly surprised; this was a new experience for him.

However, this was merely the beginning. Following two deliveries, Nair executed a slower ball to square third man, resulting in another four runs. He had already hit Bumrah for two fours in just three balls. Can you believe it?

Indeed, you could, as there was more excitement to come. The first ball of Bumrah’s subsequent over was skillfully flicked over deep backward square for six runs. The third delivery, a shin-high full toss, was struck behind point for another four, while the fifth, a slower delivery, was dispatched over cover for yet another six. In just eight deliveries against Bumrah, Nair amassed 24 runs. He capped off the over with a couple of runs, marking his first IPL fifty in seven years, having scored 18 runs off Bumrah’s second over—the highest tally an Indian batter has ever achieved against Bumrah in an IPL over.

It seemed as though Nair had an uncanny ability to anticipate Bumrah's deliveries even before the bowler himself did. This phenomenon is often described as being in the 'zone,' where one reacts purely on instinct without the need for conscious thought. Achieving this state is notoriously difficult, and maintaining it is even more challenging. Yet, none of this seemed to deter Nair. If there are any lingering doubts, one could consult Bumrah. Despite being one of the best in the game, Nair effortlessly outclassed him. It is unfortunate that Nair's impressive 40-ball 89 ultimately did not lead to victory for his team.

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