After Karun Got Out…”: How Karn Sharma Triggered Delhi Capitals' Meltdown in IPL 2025
You ever watch a match and think, “Yeah, this one’s in the bag”? That’s exactly what most Delhi Capitals fans were probably feeling on Sunday night.
Chasing 205, with Karun Nair batting like a dream, Delhi was cruising at 135/2. The Wankhede was tense—but DC fans? Smug. Karun was on 89 off just 40 balls. I mean, this guy was timing everything like he had cheat codes on.
But then… bam—Santner gets him. And just like that, the game flipped.
The Moment Everything Changed
Now here’s where it gets interesting. After the game, Karn Sharma, who hadn't played a single match this season before Sunday, walked off with the Man of the Match award. Not for a flashy fifty or a five-for. But for a quiet, gritty spell that ripped Delhi’s middle order apart.
His words after the game? Straight-up storytelling gold:
“After Karun got out, their momentum broke. And after that, we got two or three wickets quickly. That changed the game.”
And he wasn't exaggerating. Once Karun departed, the Capitals went from 135/2 to 193 all out—losing seven wickets for just 58 runs. Absolute carnage.
Karn’s Spell: Quiet Assassin in Action
Let’s break it down.
- Figures: 4 overs, 36 runs, 3 wickets
- Victims: Key middle-order batters including the in-form KL Rahul
- Impact: Choked DC’s momentum right when they were supposed to accelerate
Karn Sharma had been warming the bench till now, watching from the dugout as Mumbai’s big guns got most of the game time. But on Sunday, he finally got his shot—and boy, did he deliver.
“Feels very good that my hard work has paid off. Whenever I get a chance, I want to do my best.”
You’ve got to respect that hustle. Especially in a tournament like the IPL, where only 12 get to play and competition is cutthroat.
The Dew Factor & Delhi’s Downfall
Karn also shared an interesting nugget post-match. According to him, the dew—or rather the lack of it—played a sneaky role.
“We didn’t expect dew because there was none in the first innings. But when the ball gets replaced, the new one has an upright seam. That gave us purchase from the wicket.”
In simple terms? Fresh ball, more grip, more turn—and Delhi didn’t see it coming.
Experience Over Hype
One of the most overlooked aspects of Karn Sharma’s brilliance? His experience on Delhi wickets.
“I have played a lot in Delhi, so I know how the ball will behave.”
That local pitch knowledge isn’t something you can Google or simulate in nets. It’s lived experience—and on Sunday, it paid massive dividends.
Why Karun Nair's Dismissal Was the Domino
Let’s not downplay Karun’s innings—40-ball 89 in a chase of 205 is phenomenal. He was single-handedly keeping DC ahead of the curve. But once he fell, Delhi’s body language changed. And Karn spotted it immediately.
The rest? A predictable domino effect:
- KL Rahul misjudged Karn’s sharp delivery
- The middle order panicked
- Tailenders never stood a chance
DC’s collapse wasn’t just about poor shots—it was a mental meltdown. And Karn’s calm demeanor in the storm made all the difference.
Final Scorecard Snapshot
- Mumbai Indians: 204/6
- Delhi Capitals: 193 all out
- Man of the Match: Karn Sharma – 4-0-36-3
- Turning Point: Karun Nair’s wicket at 135/2
What This Means for Mumbai Indians
Let’s be honest—MI needed this. After a lukewarm start to the season and all the spotlight on Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, this win was a statement. And that statement read:
“Bench strength matters. Don’t sleep on the quiet warriors.”
Karn’s comeback is a lesson in patience, preparation, and punching when it matters most.
MI vs DC Clash
Q1: Who was the turning point player in the MI vs DC IPL 2025 match?
A: Karn Sharma, thanks to his 3 crucial wickets in the middle overs that broke Delhi’s back.
Q2: Why did Delhi Capitals collapse after a good start?
A: Karun Nair’s dismissal broke momentum. Karn Sharma’s clever spin and lack of dew also contributed.
Q3: Was KL Rahul playing in this match?
A: Yes, and he was one of Karn Sharma’s prized wickets.
Q4: What were Karun Nair’s stats in the match?
A: He scored a blistering 89 off 40 balls before getting dismissed by Mitchell Santner.
