On a tense Sunday evening in Delhi, Mumbai Indians bounced back in style with a thrilling 12-run victory over Delhi Capitals. The match turned out to be a turning point in their IPL 2025 campaign, and much of the credit goes to an unlikely hero—Karn Sharma, who came in as an impact substitute.
A visibly relieved Hardik Pandya, the MI skipper, didn’t hold back in praising Karn after the match. Speaking to the media, Pandya said,
“He showed a lot of heart. Karn Sharma really turned the game around for us when things looked tough.”
The performance proved why Karn Sharma as impact sub for Mumbai Indians was a masterstroke.
Delhi’s Strong Start Crumbles
Chasing 206 for victory, Delhi Capitals looked comfortable at one point. With the scoreboard reading 119 for 1 just after the halfway mark, the home team was in control and seemed poised to chase the target easily.
But cricket is a game of momentum—and Mumbai found theirs, thanks to Karn Sharma.
Karn Sharma Changes the Game
Brought in as the impact sub, Karn Sharma made an immediate difference with the ball. Using his experience and guile, the veteran spinner applied pressure and forced mistakes from Delhi’s middle order. He ended up with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 36 runs, playing a key role in derailing DC’s run chase.
From 119 for 1, Delhi collapsed dramatically and were eventually bowled out for 193 in 19 overs. Sharma’s timely strikes helped Mumbai Indians grab control of the match and hold their nerve during the final overs.
Mumbai’s Campaign Back on Track
This win was more than just two points for MI. It marked a much-needed shift in momentum after an inconsistent start to their season. For Hardik Pandya and the team, the contributions from lesser-used players like Karn Sharma sent a strong message about squad depth and team spirit.
Karn Sharma’s Impact Felt Beyond Stats
While his figures speak for themselves, Karn’s impact went beyond numbers. His calm under pressure, ability to break partnerships, and energy on the field lifted the entire team. The decision to bring Karn Sharma as impact sub for Mumbai Indians could well be one of the smartest tactical moves of the tournament so far.
Join Sportssutra for all things cricket and never miss a moment of the action!