When it comes to emerging talents in the Indian Premier League (IPL), few have made an impact as electrifying as Vipraj Nigam. The 20-year-old all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh burst onto the scene with a breathtaking 39 off 15 balls on his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 2025 season. This knock, played against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 24, 2025, showcased his potential as a game-changer and cemented his name in IPL history.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Vipraj Nigam—his early life, domestic career, IPL journey, playing style, and what makes him a standout player for DC in IPL 2025.
Early Life and Background
Vipraj Nigam was born on July 28, 2004, in Uttar Pradesh, India, a state known for producing cricketing gems like Suresh Raina and Kuldeep Yadav. At just 20 years old, Vipraj has already shown maturity beyond his years, both with the bat and ball. Growing up, he idolized Afghan leg-spin maestro Rashid Khan, whose influence is evident in Vipraj’s crafty leg-breaks and aggressive lower-order batting. His journey began in the grassroots of Uttar Pradesh cricket, where his talent quickly caught the eye of selectors and coaches.
Domestic Cricket Journey: A Star in the Making
Before dazzling IPL fans, Vipraj Nigam made waves in India’s domestic circuit. Representing Uttar Pradesh, he debuted across all three formats—First-Class, List A, and T20—in the 2024-25 season, a testament to his versatility.
His breakthrough came in the UPT20 League 2024, where he played for the Lucknow Falcons and emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker with 20 wickets in 11 matches. His best figures of 5/19 in the tournament highlighted his ability to turn games with the ball.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, Vipraj continued his rise, picking up 8 wickets at an economy rate of just over 7 and showcasing his batting prowess with a rapid 27 off 8 balls* alongside Rinku Singh. His First-Class debut against Bengal in October 2024 saw him claim 4/81, proving he’s not just a white-ball specialist. With 13 wickets in three First-Class games and a T20 strike rate of 156.09, Vipraj’s domestic stats scream potential.
IPL 2025 Debut: 39 off 15 Balls for Delhi Capitals
Vipraj Nigam’s IPL journey began when Delhi Capitals snapped him up for INR 50 lakhs at the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah. On March 24, 2025, he made his debut against Lucknow Super Giants at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. DC were in dire straits at 65/5, chasing a daunting 210. Enter Vipraj Nigam.
Coming in as an impact player, Vipraj smashed 39 runs off just 15 balls, including 3 fours and 3 sixes, at a strike rate of 260. His partnership with Ashutosh Sharma (66 off 31)* turned the game around, leading DC to a thrilling one-wicket victory with three balls to spare.
Not only did he shine with the bat, but he also took the wicket of Aiden Markram in his first IPL over, finishing with figures of 1/34 in 3 overs. This debut performance earned him widespread praise and marked him as a future star.
Playing Style and Strengths
Vipraj Nigam is a leg-spin bowling all-rounder who brings a rare combination of skills to the table.
- With the Ball: Known for his deceptive leg-breaks and googlies, delivered with impressive airspeed and turn. His economy rate of 7.45 in the UPT20 League and ability to strike in the middle overs make him a valuable asset for DC alongside spinners like Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.
- With the Bat: A hard-hitting lower-order batsman capable of clearing boundaries with ease. His 39 off 15 in IPL 2025 showcased his clean striking and composure under pressure—qualities that echo his idol Rashid Khan.
At 20, his athleticism and versatility as an impact player add depth to the Delhi Capitals squad.
Vipraj Nigam’s IPL 2025 Stats (As of March 25, 2025)
- Matches Played: 1
- Runs Scored: 39 (off 15 balls)
- Strike Rate: 260.00
- Wickets: 1 (Aiden Markram)
- Bowling Figures: 1/34 in 3 overs
- Economy Rate: 11.33
This is just the beginning for Vipraj, and his numbers are expected to grow as the IPL 2025 season progresses.
Why Delhi Capitals Bet on Vipraj Nigam
Delhi Capitals’ decision to sign Vipraj Nigam for INR 50 lakhs looks like a masterstroke. At the auction, only DC and Mumbai Indians bid for him, but it was DC who saw his potential as a multi-dimensional player.
With a squad boasting stars like KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, and Axar Patel, Vipraj adds youthful energy and unpredictability. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball aligns perfectly with DC’s strategy of building a balanced, dynamic team to end their IPL title drought.
What’s Next for Vipraj Nigam in IPL 2025?
At 20, Vipraj Nigam is just scratching the surface of his potential. His debut heroics have set the tone for a breakout IPL 2025 season. As Delhi Capitals aim for their maiden IPL trophy, Vipraj could emerge as a key player in their campaign.
If he continues to deliver match-defining performances, an India call-up might not be far away. Fans are already buzzing about his next outing—will he spin a web around batters or unleash another explosive cameo?
Final Thoughts: Vipraj Nigam – DC’s X-Factor
Vipraj Nigam’s 39 off 15 balls wasn’t just a debut knock—it was a statement. For Delhi Capitals, he’s more than a player; he’s a spark of hope, a symbol of the next generation of Indian cricket.
Whether he’s bamboozling batters with his leg-spin or smashing sixes in a chase, Vipraj is a name you’ll hear a lot more of in IPL 2025 and beyond.
Keep your eyes on this 20-year-old superstar—he’s here to stay! – Diara Bhumi News
