The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 witnessed a spectacular debut as 20-year-old all-rounder Vipraj Nigam played a crucial role in Delhi Capitals’ thrilling 1-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). In a high-scoring encounter, the young talent impressed with both bat and ball, proving to be the X-factor in Delhi’s dramatic comeback win.
A Debut to Remember
The clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium had all the makings of an IPL classic. Chasing LSG’s massive 210-run target, Delhi found themselves in deep trouble at 65/5. Enter Vipraj Nigam, who turned the tide with a fearless 39 off just 15 balls, smashing boundaries at will and forging a crucial 55-run partnership with Ashutosh Sharma. His counterattack kept DC in the hunt, and despite late drama, they managed to seal a last-over thriller.
While his batting heroics grabbed the limelight, Nigam made an early impact with the ball as well, dismissing LSG opener Aiden Markram in his opening spell. Though he later conceded runs, finishing with 1/35, his all-round brilliance earned praise from cricket experts and fans alike.
Who is Vipraj Nigam?
Vipraj Nigam, a rising star from Uttar Pradesh, was signed by Delhi Capitals for ₹50 lakh during the mega auction in Jeddah last year. His breakthrough came in the UPT20 2024 season, where he played for UP Falcons, taking 20 wickets in 12 matches at a strike rate of 11.15 and an economy of 7.45.
His domestic career has been on a steady rise. During the 2024-25 season, he made his mark across formats, playing three first-class matches, five List-A games, and seven T20s, scoring 103 runs and picking up nine wickets for Uttar Pradesh.
Kuldeep Yadav Backs Nigam’s Potential
India’s star spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who shares a close bond with Nigam, lauded the youngster’s skills post-match:
“Vipraj was primarily a batter in his Under-19 days, but he gradually developed his leg-spin. He has a deep understanding of his batting and always plays fearlessly. His confidence while going for big shots is remarkable, and he has been working hard on his bowling too.”
Kuldeep further added, “He performed exceptionally well in the UP Premier League and later impressed in the Ranji Trophy. His hitting ability surprised me—I hadn’t seen him bat this well before. If he keeps performing like this, he has a bright future ahead.”
Domestic Success and IPL Dreams
Nigam was a standout performer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, taking eight wickets while maintaining an economy rate of just over seven. His batting also shone, especially in a thrilling match where he smashed 27 off eight balls alongside Rinku Singh to chase down a 157-run target against Andhra.
The Road Ahead
While it’s still early days in his IPL career, Nigam’s debut performance has already marked him as a player to watch in the tournament. If he continues to deliver under pressure, Delhi Capitals may have unearthed a future IPL star.
