IPL 2025: ‘Best Bowler in World Cricket’ – Karun Nair Reflects on Facing Jasprit Bumrah & His Comeback

Karun Nair reflected on his return and facing "best bowler in world cricket" Jasprit Bumrah after Delhi Capitals went down fighting against Mumbai Indians in their first home match of the season at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday.

Grabbing his first opportunity of the season with both hands, Karun hit a superb 40-ball 89 while chasing a target of 206, but it went in vain as DC ended on 193 in 19 overs to go down by 12 runs to Mumbai Indians.

After being asked to bat first, Mumbai Indians posted 205/5 in 20 overs. In reply, DC were on course to chasing the target when Nair was at the crease, but his dismissal in the 12th over resulted in a collapse as DC folded with a hattrick of run outs.

Playing his first match of the season, Karun Nair during the post-match press conference, said, "It's a learning for all of us. I'm disappointed that we couldn't win the match. We lost wickets at regular intervals so it was difficult for us in the end as we needed a set batter to stay till the end. But again, we can learn from this and improve on it. We will prepare well for the next match."

Talking about his approach in the game, the right-handed batter said, "We lost an important player in Faf (du Plessis). We always knew that there are few of us who are sitting outside and have to be ready at any given time. Mentally, I was ready and obviously looking forward to the chance whenever it came. I am really happy that I got the opportunity. It is about me going out there and capitalizing on that opportunity."

"I felt like I am well prepared to play in the IPL if given the opportunity. It was all about me preparing the way that I have been all through the season and waiting for my chance. I was doing my bit to prepare and be ready for the game," he further added.

Not many batters have hit Jasprit Bumrah for two sixes in an over and Karun underlined his preparation as a key to success, having gained enough confidence during the domestic season in which he aggregated 1870 runs for Vidarbha across formats.

When asked about his striking against Jasprit Bumrah, Nair said, "It was about picking the right balls and playing to the areas that I wanted to play. He is the best bowler at the moment in world cricket. So, I had to be very watchful of where he was going to bowl. But again, I just backed myself and backed the areas that I wanted to score."

With four wins and a loss, Delhi Capitals are currently second in the points table. Axar Patel-led side will next take on Rajasthan Royals in their sixth match of IPL 2025 at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday (April 16).