Delhi Capitals batter Sameer Rizvi revealed that it was teammate Karun Nair’s aggressive intent that allowed him to play with composure and freedom during their clash against Punjab Kings on May 24. Rizvi went on to anchor the innings with an unbeaten 58, guiding DC to a six-wicket win in their final IPL 2025 league match.
The victory, which came in Jaipur, saw DC chase down PBKS’s 207 with a strong collective effort. The opening pair of KL Rahul and stand-in skipper Faf du Plessis gave the side a good start, but it was Nair’s brisk 44 off 27 balls that shifted momentum and allowed Rizvi to settle in for the long haul. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rizvi — who was named Player of the Match — credited Nair for giving him the platform to pace his innings with confidence.
IPL 2025, PBKS vs DC: Highlights
“When I came in to bat, the required rate was high. My approach was to take three or four balls to settle in and then start attacking. Karun Nair, on the other hand, smashed four boundaries in an over, which eased the pressure on me and allowed me to take my time,” Rizvi said.
Karun Nair, who recently earned a recall to the Indian Test squad after seven years, has been making headlines for his return to top-tier cricket. The 33-year-old, known for his triple century in Tests, was included in the 18-member Indian squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting on June 20 at Headingley. His selection marks a return to Test whites after over 3,000 days.
Nair’s journey back to the spotlight was kickstarted by a successful domestic season, followed by a return to the IPL after three years. Picked up by Delhi Capitals in the 2025 mega auction, he made an immediate impact with a blazing 83 against Mumbai Indians in his first match of the season.
While DC failed to qualify for the playoffs, their win over Punjab did significant damage to PBKS’s top-two ambitions. The Nair-Rizvi partnership was central to that result, ending DC’s campaign on a high.
Tune In