Delhi Capitals’ young all-rounder Vipraj Nigam made a sensational Indian Premier League (IPL) debut, playing a vital role in his team’s thrilling 1-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 24, 2025. Despite DC facing a batting collapse at 65/5 while chasing 210, Nigam’s fearless knock of 39 off just 15 balls turned the tide.
His aggressive stroke play and an important 55-run partnership with Ashutosh Sharma kept Delhi’s hopes alive, eventually leading them to a dramatic win under the leadership of Rishabh Pant.
Nigam’s impact wasn’t limited to batting. He also contributed with the ball, dismissing LSG’s Aiden Markram early in his spell. Although he conceded runs later, ending with figures of 1/35, his all-round performance impressed each fans and cricketing experts. His composure in high-pressure moments hinted at his potential to change into a worthwhile asset for Delhi Capitals within the tournament.
Rising Through the Ranks
Vipraj Nigam hails from Uttar Pradesh and was acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹50 lakh in the course of the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah. Before making his IPL debut, he had already showcased his potential in domestic cricket. Throughout the UPT20 2024 season, he played for the UP Falcons, taking 20 wickets at a strike rate of 11.15 and maintaining an economy rate of seven.45.
Nigam’s domestic profession saw regular growth as he represented Uttar Pradesh in all formats. Within the 2024-25 season, he was featured in three first-class matches, five List-A games, and 7 T20s, scoring 103 runs and picking up nine wickets. His ability to contribute with each bat and ball made him a promising prospect for higher levels of competition.
A Versatile Talent within the Making
Originally a pure batter in his Under-19 days, Nigam steadily developed his leg-spin bowling skills, making him a real all-rounder. India’s premier spinner Kuldeep Yadav spoke highly of him, praising his fearless batting and improving bowling skills. “Vipraj understands his batting well and doesn’t hesitate to play big shots. He has been working hard on his leg-spin, and he is popping the ball well,” Kuldeep noted.
Nigam also left his mark within the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, taking eight wickets at an economy of just over seven. His ending ability with the bat was evident when he smashed 27 off eight balls alongside Rinku Singh to assist UP chase down 157 against Andhra. While his long-term IPL success stays to be seen, his debut performance has definitely positioned him as a player to look at this season.
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