IPL 2025: Robin Uthappa Praises Karun Nair’s Comeback: “Resilience, Belief And Sheer Hard Work”

April 14, 2025: After Delhi Capitals’ (DC) narrow 12-run loss to Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2025, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa took a moment to acknowledge and praise Karun Nair’s sensational return to the tournament. Nair, making a comeback to the IPL after a long gap, smashed a whirlwind 89 off just 40 balls, including 12 fours and five sixes, at a strike rate of 222.5.

Speaking on Kuhl Fans Match Centre Live on JioHotstar, Uthappa said, “An incredible story of resilience, belief, and sheer hard work. A few years ago, I remember him talking about his future, unsure of where he stood. He left Karnataka, moved to Vidarbha, had a solid first season, and followed it up with a phenomenal domestic run—800s, 900s across formats—and led his side to a Ranji Trophy title. To come back and play innings like this in the IPL is inspirational. It doesn’t matter if the world doubts you—as long as you believe and take that one step forward, the path unfolds. That’s the story of Karun Nair.”

Despite his stellar knock, Nair’s efforts went in vain as Delhi Capitals suffered a late batting collapse, including a hat-trick of run-outs, which allowed MI to secure their second win of the season and break DC’s four-match winning streak.

Uthappa also lauded Mumbai’s veteran spinner Karn Sharma, who played his first game of the season and delivered an impactful spell of 3/36 under high pressure.

“Imagine being Karn Sharma—out of the playing XI for over a year, and this game being your shot at a comeback. The pressure is immense because if it doesn’t go well, you might be sidelined again. To perform in that scenario and make it count is truly commendable. He seized the opportunity brilliantly,” Uthappa added.

Following the match, DC slipped to second on the points table, while MI climbed to seventh with two wins from six games.