Vipraj Nigam Shines in IPL 2025 | The UP Star Who Dismissed Virat Kohli

Vipraj Nigam: The Rising Star from Uttar Pradesh Shining Bright in IPL 2025

Summary

Vipraj Nigam, a young all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting stories of IPL 2025. Representing Delhi Capitals, the 20-year-old has impressed both with the ball and in the field, notably claiming the prized wicket of Virat Kohli and executing a crucial run-out of Phil Salt. From UP T20 heroics to making headlines on the grand IPL stage, Vipraj Nigam is proving that he’s here to stay.

Short Scorecard (RCB vs DC, IPL 2025)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 163/7 (20 overs)
(Virat Kohli 22, Phil Salt 24; Kuldeep Yadav 2/17, Vipraj Nigam 2/18)

Delhi Capitals – 164/4 (18.4 overs)
(KL Rahul 52*, Tristan Stubbs 38*; Josh Hazlewood 2/27)

Result: Delhi Capitals won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: Vipraj Nigam

Vipraj Nigam: From Barabanki to IPL Stardom The Journey of Grit and Talent

Vipraj Nigam’s emergence in IPL 2025 has been nothing short of a dream story for any aspiring cricketer from small-town India. Hailing from Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, the leg-spinning all-rounder has carved a niche for himself with his fearless approach and a knack for delivering in pressure moments.

Before his IPL breakthrough, Vipraj Nigam’s cricketing journey saw him dominate the UP T20 League in 2024. Representing UP Falcons, he bagged 20 wickets in 12 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 11.15, while maintaining an economy rate of 7.45. His ability to bowl attacking leg-spin while being frugal made him an instant hit in domestic cricket circles.

The Big Break: Vipraj Nigam’s Entry into IPL 2025

It was at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction where Delhi Capitals made what is now seen as one of the smartest buys of the season. Signing Vipraj Nigam for his base price of INR 50 Lakh, DC banked on potential and they are already reaping the rewards.

In just four matches this season, Vipraj has picked up five wickets at an economy of 8.47, but it’s the quality of those wickets that has captured attention. His most celebrated moment came against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where he dismissed none other than the master himself Virat Kohli.

The Virat Kohli Wicket: A Moment of Arrival for Vipraj Nigam

Virat Kohli looked dangerous as he had already smashed a six earlier in the same over off Vipraj Nigam. But the young spinner showed nerves of steel. He tossed one up, enticing Kohli to go for another big shot. The result? A mistimed stroke caught superbly by Mitchell Starc at long-on. Kohli walked back after scoring 22 from 14 balls, and Vipraj had announced his arrival on the big stage.

This dismissal wasn’t just about a wicket it was about belief. To outfox a legend like Kohli at his home ground reflects the character of this young spinner from UP.

Fielding Brilliance: The Run-out of Phil Salt

Vipraj Nigam’s all-round value isn’t restricted to just bowling. Earlier in the same match, he showcased his fielding brilliance by playing a key role in running out Phil Salt, another dangerous batter from RCB. A slight hesitation between Kohli and Salt was enough for Vipraj to collect and release the ball quickly, catching Salt short of his ground.

These moments underline why Vipraj Nigam is being spoken of as a complete T20 package not just a bowler, but a cricketer who can change the course of a game with bat, ball, or in the field.

Vipraj Nigam’s Hitting Ability: The Lesser-Known Strength

While his bowling has grabbed headlines, cricket insiders know Vipraj Nigam’s batting prowess is equally dangerous. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he smashed 27 runs off just 8 balls against Andhra, batting alongside Rinku Singh.

He carried this form into IPL 2025 as well, playing a blistering knock of 39 off 15 balls against Lucknow Super Giants earlier this season proving that he’s more than capable of finishing games with the bat.

Kuldeep Yadav, India’s premier spinner and a mentor-like figure for Vipraj, summed it up best: “Vipraj was a batter till his Under-19 days. Then slowly he began bowling leg-spin. He’s not afraid to hit big shots and that fearlessness will take him far.”

The Dream Continues: What Next for Vipraj Nigam?

With Delhi Capitals riding high in IPL 2025, currently occupying the second spot on the table, Vipraj Nigam’s role in the squad is only set to grow. His versatility, fearless attitude, and ability to deliver in big moments have already won him fans across the country.

But more importantly, for a young boy from Barabanki, representing Uttar Pradesh and now shining under the bright lights of the IPL, the journey has just begun. There’s talk already in cricketing circles about him being a contender for India’s T20I squad if he continues this form.

His story is a reminder of what IPL represents a stage where dreams meet opportunity, and talent from every corner of India gets its due.