Karun Nair returned in spectacular fashion to the Indian Premier League after almost three years of absence. The right-hand batsman hit a forceful 89 runs off 40 balls, with 12 fours and 5 sixes, though in a losing effort.
Nair used his aggression against Mumbai Indians' leading pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult, and also went after Hardik Pandya, the MI wicket leader this season. Along with his stunning performance, a old tweet of Nair's has surfaced and become viral. Back in 2022, he had tweeted: "Dear cricket, give me one more chance."
A milestone was achieved by Virat Kohli in the form of a game-changing half-century, while spinner Karn Sharma's 3-36 figures helped initiate a collapse in batting in the IPL as both Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians won on Sunday.
Kohli’s 62 runs, which marked his 100th T20 half-century, propelled Bangalore to a commanding nine-wicket triumph over Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.
The day’s second fixture was a nail-biter, with Mumbai clinching a 12-run win to halt Delhi’s unbeaten streak at their home ground, Feroz Shah Kotla.
Delhi were settled at 135 for 2 while pursuing 206, but the dismissal of Nair for 89 triggered the collapse. Spinner Karn soon turned things around, reducing the hosts to 193.
"Winning is always special," said Mumbai captain Hardik Pandya. "Especially in games like these. You need to keep fighting and it means a great deal."
This defeat ended Delhi’s four-match winning run in the tournament. Meanwhile, five-time champions Mumbai secured only their second win in six games, returning to form.
With 23 runs needed from 12 balls, Ashutosh Sharma raised hopes with two boundaries off Bumrah. However, the last three deliveries of the 19th over resulted in three run-outs, sealing Delhi’s fate.
"I always feel fielding is something that can turn the game over," Pandya said. "We were alert, didn't lose hope, and they got the opportunities and used them. Great."
Nair's courageous innings on his IPL return was overshadowed by the defeat. The 33-year-old was made an impact replacement after Jake Fraser-McGurk departed early in the chase.
Nair, memorably unbeaten on 303 against England in a 2016 Test, had gone out of selectors' favour but rediscovered his class with a scorching fifty—his first in seven years in the IPL—off just 22 balls, as he put on a 119-run stand with Abhishek Porel.
Karn, also brought in as an impact player, ended the partnership by dismissing Porel, who contributed 33 runs. Soon after, left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner bowled Nair, striking a blow to Delhi’s innings.
Karn then dismissed Tristan Stubbs cheaply and caught and bowled KL Rahul for 15, causing Delhi’s lineup to unravel.
Earlier, Tilak Varma's 59 and a valuable unbeaten 38 by Naman Dhir took Mumbai to a good total of 205 for 5.
In the day's first match, England's Phil Salt created the platform for Royal Challengers Bangalore's successful chase of 174 with a fiery 65 off 33 balls, before Kohli steered his team home.
Kohli’s 50 marked his third half-century this season and the 66th in his T20 career, bringing him level with Australia’s David Warner.
Warner leads the list with 108 T20 fifties, Kohli follows with 100 in 401 matches, and Pakistan’s Babar Azam ranks third with 90.
Salt set the innings ablaze with a pounding four and six off Rajasthan pacer and England teammate Jofra Archer in the first over.
Salt made a brisk 28-ball half-century and shared a 92-run stand with Kohli before being taken at midwicket off spinner Kumar Kartikeya by Yashasvi Jaiswal.
"Always happy to add to a victory, particularly away from home," said Salt, who was man of the match after assisting in securing Bangalore's fourth away win.
Kohli then went on to score an unbeaten 83 with Devdutt Padikkal, who made 40, to clinch the win with 15 deliveries to go.
The win was Bangalore's fourth in six matches, placing them in the top four of the 10-team standings.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan, the inaugural IPL champions, have struggled this season, suffering their fourth loss in six matches.
Rajasthan opener Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored with 75, guiding his team to 173 for 4 after opting to bat first.
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