Karun Nair made a sensational return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) on April 13. Lighting up the game with a breathtaking 89 off just 40 deliveries for Delhi Capitals against Mumbai Indians. Coming in as an impact substitute after Jake Fraser-McGurk’s early dismissal, the 33-year-old showcased his vintage form, hammering the MI bowling attack. And he reached his fastest IPL half-century in just 22 balls.
Karun Nair Breaks Records in IPL 2025
This knock was extra special for Nair, marking his first IPL fifty since 2018, when he played for Kings XI Punjab. It also turned out to be his highest-ever IPL score. Surpassing his previous best of 83 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016.
An Emotional Moment for the Nair Family
As emotions soared in the stadium, the celebrations extended online too. Nair’s wife, Sanaya Tankariwala Nair, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, looking back at her husband’s IPL journey. She posted a nostalgic throwback from 2017, back when Karun played for Delhi Daredevils, featuring the young couple smiling together.
Sanaya beautifully paired it with a recent 2025 photo of the couple along with their two children, all proudly wearing Delhi Capitals jerseys. The two got married in 2020 in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and now live in Bengaluru. The post reflected both pride and emotion, capturing the significance of this long-awaited comeback.
A Redemption Fueled by Domestic Dominance
Fans didn’t find Nair’s IPL return entirely unexpected. He had been in outstanding form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, representing Vidarbha, where he piled up 779 runs in just nine matches. His performance included five centuries and a fifty, averaging a staggering 389.50. That dominant streak has clearly translated into his IPL form.
Playing his first IPL match since 2022, Nair looked particularly aggressive against Jasprit Bumrah, scoring 16 runs in boundaries in a single over of the MI spearhead.
This innings marks a significant milestone in Karun Nair’s career — a story of resilience, form, and heartwarming family support — making his IPL comeback all the more memorable.
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