Vipraj Nigam is making his IPL debut today (March 24), representing Delhi Capitals in the team's season opener against Lucknow Super Giants.
The 20-year-old was bought in the 2025 IPL auction for INR 50 lakh after a string of impressive performances in domestic cricket where he plays for Uttar Pradesh. Before his debut for DC, he had played 15 professional games, including seven T20s.
He already picked up a wicket on debut, sending back Aiden Markram in his first over in the IPL. He could have picked up Nicholas Pooran in his next over if not for an easy drop by Sameer Rizvi.
A leg-spinner who has taken eight wickets at an average of 21.37 and an economy of 7.12, he is also a handy batter, striking at 156.09 in the format.
Match 4, Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants
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What are his standout performances?
Nigam first burst onto the scene during the UPT20 league in 2023, where he smashed 28 runs in one over. That year, he also smashed a 29-ball 48 while batting at No.8.
He picked up eight wickets at an economy rate of under seven in the 2024-25 SMAT, and even made an eight-ball 27 against Andhra alongside teammate Rinku Singh. Walking out to bat when his team was 109-6 in the run chase of 157 in the preliminary quarter-final, he hit two sixes and three fours at a strike rate of 337.50, taking them to a close win in the end. He also grabbed 2-20 in that clash and was adjudged the Player of the Match.
Also read: Updated list of top run-getters in IPL 2025
In last year’s UPT20 league, Nigam picked up 20 wickets in 11 matches, ending as the second-highest wicket-taker. He also picked a five-for, with his 5-19 being the best figures in the tournament.
Nigam has also played three first-class games, grabbing 13 wickets at 31.07. His best figures came against Bengal on debut, ending with 4-81 in 20 overs.
The youngster, who idolises Rashid Khan, has also played five List A games, picking four wickets at an average of 55.
He played in the 2024-25 CK Nayudu tournament, a tournament for under-23 players, picking up 21 scalps.
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