Twitterati react to Karun Nair escalation as DD skipper in absence of Zaheer Khan

We are just minutes away from the commencement of the 36th match of IPL 10 between Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab and we were in for a surprise during the toss. Regular captain of Delhi Daredevils, Zaheer Khan who suffered a hamstring injury during their previous encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders didn’t come out to flip the coin. Instead, Karun Nair came out for the coin toss with Kings XI captain Glenn Maxwell.

Nair is going through a lean patch in his career ever since scoring the triple century against England earlier in the year and has only amassed 78 runs in 7 matches. So giving him the captaincy really surprised one and all but he is a talented player and will try to take the challenge in his stride and get DD back to winning ways.

Before the match, his place in the side was severely scrutinised after paltry returns in the first 7 matches. It is high time that Karun gets back to form and the management handing him the captaincy should keep him in good stead. Meanwhile, Kings XI Punjab is also going through a horrendous run and have lost 5 out of the 8 matches they have played so far.

Delhi Daredevils have made three changes in their line-up. Zaheer Khan had to sit out and made way for Mohammad Shami who hasn’t got enough opportunities in this tournament so far. Sam Billings who missed the last few matches is coming back at the expense of Ankit Bawne. They have also accommodated an extra spinner in place of Pat Cummins and have gone with their most productive spinner in the initial part of the tournament, Shahbaz Nadeem.

On the other hand, Punjab is in desperate need of a victory after losing 5 out of their 8 matches. They started off with comprehensive victories in the first 2 matches but since then they have failed to get their act right at crucial junctures which have pegged them back.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Nair’s promotion as the skipper:

Then: Karun Nair struggling for his place
Now: Captain for his team
Just Delhi Daredevills things#KXIPvDD #IPL2017 #IPL

— Khurram Siddiquee (@imKhurram12) April 30, 2017

Karun Nair's 1st game as captain in professional cricket came vs Delhi (FC game). Now his 1st #IPL game as captain is for Delhi Daredevils.

— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) April 30, 2017

I am glad DD have gone with an Indian captain. There is no replacement for Karun Nair in the squad. Atleast balance wont get affected.

— Gaurav Sundararaman (@gaurav_sundar) April 30, 2017

Karun Nair is leading Delhi today. Mixed feelings.

— Shubh AggarWall (@shubh_chintak) April 30, 2017

Just when I thought DD will be dropping Karun Nair, they field him as the captain. LOL, this is being more DD-ish than ever. #IPL

— Manya ? (@CSKian716) April 30, 2017

Everybody wanted Karun Nair to be dropped. And, #DD made him their captain. That's why they are DAREdevils. #KXIPvDD

— K D Reddy ??? (@BeingKDR) April 30, 2017

Karun Nair Captain??? Does he Justify his Place in the side?? ?#IPL

— Sagar Gala (@sagargala1234) April 30, 2017

Delhi daredevils are really dare.. Karun Nair captain today ???#KXIPvDD #IPL

— ??ARUN SIDD?? (@adyararun01) April 30, 2017

Once tipped to be dropped, @karun126 has now been named as the captain of @DelhiDaredevils. Strange things continue ti happen. #IPL2017

— Gautam Sodhi (@GautamSodhi1) April 30, 2017

Karun nair as captain?! he barely made runs after that 300 ! #KXIPvDD

— RASOOL (@imrasool) April 30, 2017

Karun Nair leading #DD is still better than Rahul Gandhi leading Congress #KXIPvDD

— urstrulyKajal (@BanarasiBasanti) April 30, 2017

@ESPNcricinfo Karun Nair is a one off wonder. Wondering how he is made captain. Ain't there nobody else to replace @ImZaheer in DD. Shame !

— D_Indian (@Mysteryunleashd) April 30, 2017

Karun Nair is the captain of Delhi Daredevils today. They are playing like DD, even before the match has started #KXIPvDD

— Shashi (@AllTimeBakchod) April 30, 2017