In a thrilling IPL 2025 showdown between the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Karun Nair nearly turned the tide with a breathtaking innings. After the match, MI skipper Hardik Pandya acknowledged the pressure Nair put on his bowlers, saying the DC batter “took us by surprise.”
Chasing a daunting target of 206, Delhi found hope in a brilliant 119-run partnership for the second wicket between Karun Nair and Abhishek Porel. Nair was particularly aggressive, hammering 89 runs off just 40 balls — a knock laced with 12 boundaries and five towering sixes.
One of the standout moments came when Nair took on MI’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, smashing him for 18 runs in a single over, signaling clear intent. He reached his half-century in just 22 balls and looked well on course for a century before Mitchell Santner managed to dismiss him.
The match also saw a heated argument between Nair and Bumrah. The tension began during a crucial moment when Nair collided with Bumrah while running between the wickets
Bumrah appeared visibly furious after the contact, and although Nair attempted to explain his side, emotions ran high. The situation cooled down moments later, with Nair seen conversing with Hardik Pandya
Despite Nair’s heroics and the dramatic on-field exchange, DC fell short by 12 runs, as MI secured only their second win in six matches this season. Still, Nair’s performance was a reminder of his class and ability to rise to the occasion, even if the result didn’t go his way.