DC vs MI Highlights: Karn Sharma trumps Karun Nair in battle of Impact Substitutes as Mumbai end Delhi's unbeaten run

DC vs MI Highlights: Mumbai Indians (MI) didn't have the best start to IPL 2025, losing matches on trot to find themselves languishing at the bottom of the points table. However, on Sunday just when it felt that the story would continue, the five-time champions produced a brilliant comeback and handed Delhi Capitals (DC) their first defeat of the season. The high-scoring encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium saw Delhi fell short by 12 runs while chasing a staggering 206, which featured a sensational 40-ball 89 by comeback man Karun Nair.

A combined effort by Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir powered Mumbai Indians to a strong finish after being invited to bat first. Rickelton fired 41 off 25 at the top before getting out against Kuldeep Yadav, ensuring Mumbai got off to a good start especially after losing Rohit Sharma for 18(12). Suryakumar then chipped in with a vital 28-ball 40 and was involved in a 60-run stand with Tilak Varma, which kept things steady for MI in the middle-overs. Suryakumar too fell against Kuldeep, who wrapped his four overs with two scalps and 23 runs. Varma and Naman Dhir then combined towards the end and blasted 62 runs in just 33 balls. Varma was dismissed for 59(33), while Dhir returned unbeaten on 38 off 17 balls.

Karun Nair slams 22-ball 50 (BCCI Photo)

Karun Nair ended his IPL hiatus and went to slam his first half-century in the lucrative T20 leagu after seven years. Nair, who enjoyed rich form in the domestic circuit, made the opportunity count as he walked in at No. 3 as an Impact Substitute. He dictated the show to such an extent that even world's premier bowler Jasprit Bumrah appeared hapless. He was eventually dismissed for 89 off 40 balls, which featured twelve boundaries and five maximums.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians' 'forever captain' Rohit Sharma's tactical call was executed to perfection by 'Impact Substitute' Karn Sharma as they made a comeback for the ages. Chasing 206, Delhi at one stage were cruising at 119/1 just after the halfway stage. Rohit, the tactician par excellence, indicated to his coach Mahela Jayawardene to bring in Karn and also asked for a ball change after the 11th over. And suddenly the ball started to grip and turn with Mitchell Santner's dream delivery disturbing Nair's off-stick and Karn picking up three for 36 on a day ruled by wrist spinners. Once KL Rahul, not known for handling pressure situations on slightly slow track, was fooled by a classic leg-break by Karn, which lobbed up, the DC batting started to crumble.

With 23 needed off 12 and Ashutosh Sharma present in the middle the panic button was yet to be pressed in the Delhi camp. However, the penultimate over by Jasprit Bumrah changed things swiftly and was enough to wrap things up at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Ashutosh started the over on a strong note and hammered Bumrah for consecutive boundaries but what happened next was least expect. The next three balls resulted in run-outs, which saw Delhi get folded for 193 with an over to spare.

Mumbai Indians ended Delhi Capitals unbeaten streak (BCCI Photo)

Mumbai Indians handed Delhi Capitals their first loss of the IPL 2025 season. However, things didn't change much for DC as far as the points table were concerned. They slid one spot below to the second position, while Mumbai jumped to seventh.