Karun Nair’s sensational knock against Mumbai Indians on April 13, 2025, wasn’t just about runs — it was a statement. Coming in after Jake Fraser-McGurk was dismissed for a golden duck, Nair stepped up with a fiery 22-ball half-century, his first in the IPL since 2018. But what’s caught everyone’s attention is how little Delhi Capitals paid for such a big impact.
Karun Nair IPL Price: Just ₹50 lakh
At the 2025 IPL mega auction, Delhi Capitals bagged Karun Nair for ₹50 lakh, a bargain buy that might now be considered one of the steals of the season. For a player who had been absent from the league for nearly three years, expectations were modest — but Nair delivered when it mattered the most.
Redemption arc: From forgotten hero to match-changer
This was Nair’s first IPL fifty since 2018, when he scored 54 against CSK. He featured sporadically in the 2019, 2020, and 2022 seasons without a single 50+ score. However, against MI, Nair took on Jasprit Bumrah, smashing boundaries with confidence and even lofting a stunning six over long-off that had the crowd buzzing.
Promoted at No. 3 in a high-pressure chase of 206, Nair played with maturity and aggression — a rare mix — and reminded everyone why he once wore India’s Test cap and has a triple century to his name.
If this knock is anything to go by, DC’s ₹50 lakh punt might just be the buy of the tournament.
