New Delhi [India]: Mumbai Indians’ leg-spinner Karn Sharma was named ‘Player of the Match’ after a match-defining bowling performance in their thrilling 12-run win over Delhi Capitals (DC) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Karn claimed three crucial wickets, including two after a pivotal mid-innings ball change, turning the tide in MI’s favor during a high-pressure chase.
𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹. 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹. 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵-𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿. 💪
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 13, 2025
Karn Sharma walks away with Player of the Match after a brilliant 3⃣-wicket haul that changed the course of #DCvMI 🔝
Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/sp4ar866UD#TATAIPL | @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/ntPgKPuIz9
With Delhi in complete control of the 206-run chase, the seasoned spinner struck just when MI needed it most. His first breakthrough came by ending the dangerous 119-run stand between Karun Nair and Abhishek Porel, dismissing Porel for 33 off 25 deliveries.
Karun Nair had already pummeled MI’s attack with a blistering 89 off just 40 balls, putting the hosts firmly in command. Even after the dismissal of DC skipper Axar Patel, the presence of KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs at the crease suggested DC remained in pole position.
However, dew was proving a major challenge for MI’s bowlers. In a strategic move, MI skipper Hardik Pandya opted to change the ball before the start of the 13th over. The impact was immediate.
Handed the ball straight away, Karn removed Stubbs for just 1 with a tossed-up delivery that was caught at long-on. In his next over, he claimed the prized wicket of KL Rahul, tightening MI’s grip on the game.
“Feels very good that my hard work has paid off. Whenever I get a chance, I want to do my best. It’s a big tournament, only 12 can play. I just focus on my process, the rest is not in my hands. KL Rahul’s wicket was my favourite. That catch was very important at that stage of the game,” Karn said during the post-match presentation.
The leg-spinner emphasized that the ball change was a turning point, offering better grip and aiding his spin in the latter half of the innings.
“I pray a lot that I do well when I get a chance and that the teams win. There was no dew in the first innings, and changing the ball meant that we got some more grip. That was good,” he added.
Karn finished with match-winning figures of 3/36 as MI ended DC’s four-game winning streak. With this win, the five-time champions have registered their second victory of the season and will now turn their attention to their next clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday.