Karun Nair's IPL Team asked to be changed; Delhi Capitals in distress

Former Indian cricketer and cricket expert Dodda Ganesh has expressed his frustration over Delhi Capitals’ decision to sideline Karun Nair for the first four games of their five games so far in the ongoing IPL 2025.

Karun Nair had rejoined Delhi Capitals for INR 50 lakh at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction last year, but Ganesh now wants him to change the franchise.

Ganesh highlighted how difficult it must be for a player like Karun to remain on the sidelines despite being in top form in domestic cricket.

The Karnataka-born batter, now playing for Vidarbha, had an outstanding 2024/25 season. He scored 779 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with an incredible average of 389.50.

Dodda Ganesh suggests that Karun Nair leave Delhi Capitals amid IPL 2025

In the Ranji Trophy, the right-handed batter piled up 863 runs and led Vidarbha to the title. He also impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, smashing 255 runs at a strike rate of over 170.

Given his numbers across the formats, Ganesh said that warming the bench while being in peak form is a situation no cricketer wants to be in.

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The commentator suggested Nair, who is one of only two Indians to have scored a Test triple-century, change the franchise, as this could be the best way forward for him, as he is not young enough to wait for his chance, especially when his numbers demand his place in the playing XI.

Dodda Ganesh posted, X: “Wish Karun Nair was picked by some other franchise. Despite being in the best of form, he still can’t get a game. It’s really frustrating if you’re Karun Nair. Hope he gets an opportunity sooner rather than later #IPL2025.”

Wish Karun Nair was picked by some other franchise. Despite being in the best of the forms he still can’t get a game. It’s really frustrating if you’re Karun Nair. Hope he gets an opportunity sooner rather than later #IPL2025

— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) April 13, 2025

Karun Nair shines bright in his comeback game in the IPL

Meanwhile, Karun finally got his first IPL game after three years when Delhi Capitals were chasing 206 runs against Mumbai Indians in the 29th game of the ongoing IPL 2025.

Coming to bat at No.3, Nair played a stunning knock of 89 runs off 40 balls with the help of 12 boundaries and five sixes, but that was not enough to save DC from a 12-run defeat against MI in Delhi.

It was Nair’s first fifty in the Indian Premier League in seven years. Apart from Abhishek Porel (33) and Nair, no other player could even face 15 balls, and Delhi was bowled out for 193 runs in 19 overs as MI brilliantly ended their winning streak in the ongoing IPL 2025.

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Mentally, I was ready for my chance: Karun Nair

Karun said after DC’s narrow loss to MI, “Mentally, I was ready, and obviously looking forward to the chance, whenever it came. I felt confident. I felt like, you know, I’m well prepared to play in the IPL if given the opportunity. So, it was all about me preparing the way that I’ve been all through the season and waiting for my chance.”

Nair signed off by saying, “So, I was doing my bit to prepare and be ready for the game. It’s always a tough call for the team to pick 11 or 12 players, and I’ve always respected that."

"For me, it was about preparing and keeping the same process that I followed, which has worked for me, and just being ready to go out there and perform for the team.”