While Delhi Capitals lost their encounter against GT, the Axar Patel-led side has been in some good form in the tournament so far, having won five matches and youngster Vipraj Nigam has been a key player for the side. Delhi Capitals spin bowling all-rounder Vipraj Nigam feels that the home conditions are not very advantageous in the Indian Premier League, but it gives idea to the home team of what to expect. Home conditions in IPL have been under the scanner after players and coaches voiced their thoughts of not getting what they want from the pitches.
After suffering defeat against Gujarat Titans in their previous fixture in IPL 2025, Delhi Capitals will look to bounce back in the match against Lucknow Super Giants which is scheduled to take place at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Vipraj Nigam an utility find for Delhi Capitals in 2025
Vipraj Nigam, a crafty leg-spinner who can also clear the ropes with the bat, was signed by Delhi Capitals for ?50 lakh at the IPL 2025 mega auction. The 20-year-old first caught attention during the inaugural edition of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League, where he picked up 20 wickets in 11 matches at an impressive economy rate of under 7.5 runs per over. His performances in the UP T20 League earned him a call-up to the state side for the 2024-25 domestic season.
The promising leg-spinner made his debut for Delhi Capitals in the opening match of IPL 2025, making an immediate impact by smashing a quickfire 39 off just 15 balls and picking up a wicket. Vipraj Nigam’s bowling has continued to shine, with the youngster taking two wickets apiece in his last two outings-against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai and RCB in Bengaluru.
During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, Vipraj Nigam emerged as a standout performer, claiming eight wickets at an economy rate of just over seven. Though primarily a bowler, he also underlined his power-hitting prowess by smashing 27 off eight balls in a successful chase of 157, alongside Rinku Singh, against Andhra.
Ahead of their match vs LSG at Ekana stadium, Delhi Capitals spinner Vipraj Nigam believes home conditions don’t offer a significant advantage in IPL as all teams prepare similarly. He has taken seven wickets and scored 54 runs this season.
Home conditions are not advantageous in IPL- Vipraj Nigam
Delhi Capitals spinner Vipraj Nigam believes that home conditions don’t give a significant advantage to franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) because all teams prepare similarly for each venue.
His comments come ahead of DC’s away match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium, scheduled for Tuesday (April 22) evening. A lot of franchises are struggling in home matches this season, including Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings.
It has led to an unusual number of captains and staff members criticising home pitches for not being conducive to their strengths. However, Nigam had a more general reason behind the issue.
“Home conditions are not very advantageous in IPL but yes you have an idea as to what to consider,” Nigam said at the pre-match press conference, as quoted by PTI.
“There is not much advantage to the team. You are familiar with the weather, ground dimension etc. But all teams have similar preparation… The UP T20 league happened here. So we have played T20 games here. Sameer [Rizvi] and I have an idea of the ground so we will try follow the same process we did in UP T20,” he added.
Vipraj Nigam, who was born and brought up in Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh, will play for the first time in his home capital city this season.
“Yes, there is a lot of pressure and nervousness in all the games. It just adds up when you play in front of your family and coach,” he said.
Vipraj Nigam has picked up seven wickets this season, while also scoring 54 runs at a strike-rate of 207.69 down the order. His best knock this season, a fighting 39, came in DC’s win against the same opponent, LSG, at the start of their campaign in the season.
“I consider myself an all-rounder. I have to make contributions with the ball and also with the bat whenever require,” Nigam said…
“I get advice from the seniors in every game. We do get some help from the seniors. There are some players who were in Lucknow last year and are here this year as well. We talk about those aspects in our team meetings and plan accordingly,” he added.
Delhi Capitals have 10 points under their belt from 7 matches so far and would look to add on to it with local UP players like Vipraj Nigam and Kuldeep Yadav to their ranks.
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