Delhi Capitals’ young all-rounder Vipraj Nigam made a sensational Indian Premier League (IPL) debut, playing a crucial 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 a vital 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, finishing with figures of 1/35, his all-round performance impressed both fans and cricketing experts. His composure in high-pressure moments hinted at his potential to become a valuable asset for Delhi Capitals in the tournament.
Rising Through the Ranks
Vipraj Nigam hails from Uttar Pradesh and was acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹50 lakh during the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah. Before making his IPL debut, he had already showcased his potential in domestic cricket. During 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 7.45.
Nigam’s domestic career saw steady growth as he represented Uttar Pradesh in all formats. In the 2024-25 season, he was featured in three first-class matches, five List-A games, and seven T20s, scoring 103 runs and picking up nine wickets. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a promising prospect for higher levels of competition.
A Versatile Talent in the Making
Originally a pure batter in his Under-19 days, Nigam gradually developed his leg-spin bowling skills, making him a genuine 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 turning the ball well,” Kuldeep noted.
Nigam also left his mark in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, taking eight wickets at an economy of just over seven. His finishing ability with the bat was evident when he smashed 27 off eight balls alongside Rinku Singh to help UP chase down 157 against Andhra. While his long-term IPL success remains to be seen, his debut performance has certainly positioned him as a player to watch this season.
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