Karun Nair played one of the best IPL knocks of all time on Sunday evening at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Turning up for Delhi Capitals, the stylish right-hander smashed a stunning 89 off just 40 balls. It was a breathtaking innings that featured clean hitting and masterful placement, and alongside Abhishek Porel, he stitched together a 119-run partnership for the second wicket. It looked like DC was well on its way to a fifth consecutive win.
But cricket can be a cruel game. What seemed like a comfortable chase turned into heartbreak as the Axar Patel-led side collapsed dramatically in the second half of their innings. Chasing a target of 206, Delhi Capitals were 119 for 1 in just 10.1 overs. The chase appeared to be a formality. Yet, somehow, they lost their next nine wickets for just 73 runs, suffering a crushing 12-run defeat at the hands of the Mumbai Indians.
This loss was especially bitter for Karun Nair, who was playing in the IPL for the first time since the 2022 season. He had made a heroic return and given it everything he had. But in the end, the team’s failure to cross the finish line made his efforts feel hollow.
Speaking at the post-match press conference at Feroz Shah Kotla ground, the 33-year-old, who had come in as an impact player, didn’t hold back his emotions. “We play to win the match, so there is disappointment. And no matter how much we score, if the team does not win, then there is no value of it. For me, the team’s win was very important, and it did not happen. But it’s a learning, and we will go forward, and I hope I will keep performing like this, and we will win,” Karun said.
His words reflected both a sense of personal pride and a deep frustration. “There is no point talking about my innings, because I played well, but I could not finish, so there is disappointment,” he added.
Delhi’s downfall began with a string of quick wickets, derailing what had been an excellent platform set by Karun and Porel. It was a combination of pressure, inexperience, and an impressive fightback by the opposition bowlers.
Karun acknowledged as much, praising the Mumbai Indians for turning the game around with disciplined bowling. “Obviously, it was easier for the set batsman to play than for the new batsman. So it was very important for a set batter to continue. We lost wickets at regular intervals, so it was difficult for us in the end. But having said that, they (MI) also bowled well and put us under pressure,” he said.
Despite the heartbreak, Karun Nair’s performance was a reminder of his class and determination. For a player making a comeback after a hiatus, this innings was a statement. Now, as DC look to bounce back, they will be counting on Karun’s form—and his hunger—to guide them through the rest of the tournament.
