Why Is Karun Nair Not In DC Playing XI for IPL 2025 Match Against PBKS?

Karun Nair, who was making headlines for his batting exploits in the domestic circuit before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, has been dropped from Delhi Capitals’ playing XI against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala,

Nair has been selected as DC’s first-choice opener with different combinations and also played at No.3 in one match due to the injury to veteran South African batter Faf du Plessis.

Karun Nair, Vipraj Nigam Out Of DC Playing XI

Du Plessis made a return to the Playing XI after much delay due to an injury. Against PBKS, young hitter Sameer Rizvi has replaced Nair in the line-up.

DC have put spin-bowling all-rounder Vipraj Nigam on the Impact Players bench.

Rizvi, who played for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024, has played three matches for DC in IPL 2025 and got to bat against his former side and Lucknow Super Giants. He managed scores of 20 and 4. 

DC have put spin-bowling all-rounder Vipraj Nigam on the Impact Players bench.

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Nair had lived up to the narrative around his incredible form when he played his first IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians as he made 80 off 40 balls in chase of 206 at the Wankhede. However, the other DC batter failed after his dismissal and they lost the match.

Nair was unable to up his game since then as he scored 65 runs in the next six match as DC slid to fifth in the table. He was out for a duck against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the last match. 

DC’s Dwindling Form In Playoffs Race 

Until the MI match, DC were undefeated in the tournament while MI were desperately trying to win a game. But they have lost steam at the toe end of the league stage, going winless in the last three matches. They were fortunate to have escaped the match against SRH with a single point after a poor batting performance. 

If they lose against PBKS, there will be more pressure from MI and LSG who are also eyeing a big swing of favourable results which could help them to the top-four.

If PBKS win, they’ll become the first team to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2025.

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