Vipraj Nigam Stats | Vipraj Nigam’s IPL Debut: Delhi Capitals' New Spin Weapon Making Waves in 2025

Vipraj Nigam: Delhi’s Rising Star Spinning His Way Into the Spotlight

The Indian Premier League has always been the stage where raw talent becomes headline news, and in 2025, few names are drawing more attention than Vipraj Nigam. A 20-year-old legspinner with a knack for breakthroughs, Nigam's arrival at Delhi Capitals couldn't be better timed. In a tournament where match-defining spells are currency, Nigam has already cashed in dismissing South African veteran Aiden Markram in his first over of IPL cricket. It was a dream debut that didn’t just earn him a wicket, but instantly validated the buzz around him.

Vipraj Nigam's key stats:

• Date of Birth: July 28, 2004 (Age: 20)

• Batting Style: Right-handed

• Bowling Style: Legbreak

• Primary Role: Bowler

T20 (including domestic & UPT20 League):

• 20 wickets in 11 UPT20 matches (2nd-highest wicket-taker)

• Best bowling figures: 5/19

• Economy rate: 7.45

• Strike rate: 11.15

• 8 wickets in 7 T20 matches overall (Avg: 21.37, SR: 18.0)

• Highest score: 27* off 8 balls (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy vs Andhra)

First-Class (Ranji Trophy):

• 13 wickets in 3 matches

• Bowling average: 31.07

• Best bowling figures: 4/81

List A:

• 4 wickets in 5 matches

• Best figures: 2/54

Col C K Nayudu Trophy 2024:

• 35 wickets in 8 matches

• Six 4-wicket hauls

• 364 runs at an average of 36.40

• Highest score: 84*

A Rapid Rise Through Domestic Ranks

Born on July 28, 2004, in Delhi, Vipraj Nigam's cricketing journey has been steeped in hard work, natural flair, and a relentless drive to improve. Leg-spin is a craft that takes time to master, but Nigam has shown maturity well beyond his years. His ability to combine quick pace through the air with sharp turn and subtle variations has already put him in the same sentence as some of the world’s finest young spinners. For someone who draws inspiration from Rashid Khan, Nigam has managed to bring a fresh identity to his bowling while still channeling the energy and aggression that define modern leg-spin.

The first major glimpse of his potential came in the UPT20 League while representing the Lucknow Falcons. There, he scalped 20 wickets in just 11 matches, emerging as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. His best performance a fiery 5 for 19 turned heads across domestic cricket. His economy rate of 7.45 and a stunning strike rate of 11.15 showcased his ability to not only contain runs but also pick wickets at crucial junctures. It was only a matter of time before the IPL scouts took notice, and Delhi Capitals wasted no time in snapping him up.

Ranji Debut and List A Experience

Nigam’s growth hasn't been limited to the shortest format. In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, he made his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh against Bengal. Over the course of three matches, he picked up 13 wickets at an average of 31.07, including a best of 4/81. These weren’t just numbers they reflected a young spinner learning how to operate in the long format, understanding rhythm, field settings, and bowling partnerships.

His List A numbers might not stand out yet four wickets in five games with a best of 2/54 but considering his primary role in the middle overs and his developing skillset, there’s plenty to build on. Moreover, his performances with the bat in domestic tournaments show that he's not just a one-trick pony. A notable unbeaten 27 off 8 balls against Andhra Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he sealed a win for Uttar Pradesh, highlighted his temperament and power-hitting ability.

Col C K Nayudu Trophy and All-Round Prowess

One of the clearest signs that Nigam is evolving into a complete cricketer came in the 2024 Col C K Nayudu Trophy. Representing Uttar Pradesh, he took 35 wickets in just eight matches, which included six four-wicket hauls. But what really caught the eye was his contribution with the bat 364 runs at an average of 36.40, including a top score of 84 not out. Those numbers don’t just belong to a lower-order slogger. They belong to a player who understands the value of time at the crease and knows how to influence a game with both ball and bat.

IPL 2025: Seizing the Moment

With the auction behind him and a Delhi Capitals jersey on his back, the spotlight intensified. But Nigam didn't flinch. In Delhi's opening match of IPL 2025 against Lucknow Super Giants, he was thrown into the deep end and he responded with composure and confidence. Bowling his first over against an experienced campaigner in Aiden Markram, Nigam delivered a ball that drifted, dipped, and tempted the South African into a miscalculated lofted shot. The result? A sharp catch by Mitchell Starc at long-on and a scalp that instantly lit up social media and cricketing circles alike.

It was the kind of moment that marks the beginning of something big not just a debut, but a statement of intent.

Why He Stands Out

There’s no shortage of legspinners in India, but what sets Vipraj Nigam apart is his control and mindset. While many young bowlers rely heavily on variations, Nigam mixes them with a consistent length and a hunger to attack. He’s not afraid to toss the ball up, even after being hit, which is rare for a 20-year-old playing in a high-stakes tournament like the IPL.

His bowling rhythm is smooth, his run-up quick, and his release snappy. That allows him to maintain deception without losing accuracy. And in a format where one bad over can swing the game, that control becomes gold.

Adding to this is his lower-order power-hitting. He doesn’t just slog he picks gaps, understands game situations, and knows when to counter-attack. These traits, combined with his work ethic, make him a valuable asset in the T20 format and beyond.

Eyes on the Future

For Delhi Capitals, Nigam’s arrival provides a fresh edge to their bowling attack. For Indian cricket, he represents the next wave of legspin talent with genuine all-round potential. If he continues this trajectory, national selectors won’t be able to ignore him for long.

And it’s not just about stats it’s about how he plays the game. Calm under pressure, fearless in his approach, and constantly evolving. These are the traits that separate the good from the great.

As IPL 2025 rolls on, there will be tougher challenges, bigger stages, and higher expectations. But based on everything Vipraj Nigam has shown so far, he’s not just here to participate he’s here to make a mark.

Final Word

Vipraj Nigam’s story is still being written, but the opening chapters are already compelling. From making waves in the UPT20 League to grabbing a wicket in his very first IPL over, he’s quickly gone from potential to performance. With Delhi Capitals backing him, and with the skills to back himself, he’s a name Indian cricket fans will be hearing a lot more of.

The question now is not whether he has what it takes it's how far he'll go.