Vipraj Nigam Reflects on His Growth as a Cricketer Since Last IPL
Synopsis
Delhi Capitals' Vipraj Nigam discusses how his experiences in domestic cricket and India A have been crucial for his development since last year's IPL. He highlights the importance of learning from senior players and maintaining a positive team spirit as they prepare for their next match.
Key Takeaways
Vipraj Nigam's development as a cricketer has been influenced by his experiences in domestic cricket and with India A.
He has performed well in domestic T20 competitions, indicating his growth.
Learning from senior players, especially KL Rahul, has been pivotal for his confidence.
The team maintains high morale despite setbacks, focusing on improvement.
Consistent communication with coaching staff supports player development.
New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) Delhi Capitals spinner Vipraj Nigam expressed that the period between last year’s IPL and the current season has been pivotal for his growth as a cricketer. During this time, he participated in a complete domestic season for Uttar Pradesh and gained valuable experience in matches for India A.
Nigam had a mixed experience in his debut IPL season with Delhi Capitals last year, beginning with a strong performance, taking seven wickets in his first five innings at an economy rate of 8.9. However, his performance dipped as he claimed only six wickets in the subsequent nine matches at an economy of 9.4.
He showcased a notable proficiency in his leg-spin, particularly against left-handed batsmen, capturing a wicket every 16 balls in contrast to 25.7 balls against right-handers, with five out of his eleven wickets coming from lefties.
Since the IPL, Nigam has shone in domestic T20 competitions, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker in the UP T20 League 2025 with 20 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 7.8. He also led Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, securing 13 wickets in seven games with an economy rate of 7.4.
In addition, he played for India A in 50-over matches against Australia A, registering figures of 2-17 in a T20 World Cup warm-up match against Namibia. "There have been numerous changes. As you mentioned, I played the complete domestic season with Uttar Pradesh and had the opportunity to represent the India A team.
“Everything I learned from last year's IPL was further enhanced through these experiences. Being in a new dressing room with players who are among the best in India has been invaluable. I have focused on absorbing new skills from them, and I aim to incorporate these learnings into my practice sessions leading up to the IPL,” Nigam shared with IANS on the 'JioStar Press Room' during the TATA IPL 2026 Rivalry Week.
Having played three matches in IPL 2026 and taken just one wicket so far, Nigam praised wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul for his adeptness at reading the game from behind the stumps and effectively communicating with younger bowlers in real-time.
“KL bhaiya is pivotal as the keeper during the game. He provides insights on how the wicket is behaving or if the batsman is trying any specific approach. He shares this information with me before I bowl. His ability to observe everything well during fielding is crucial, especially with the noise around,” he explained.
“In such chaotic situations, Axar bhaiya can't make all the adjustments, which makes KL bhaiya's role as a wicketkeeper incredibly important. He engages with younger players, helping them manage pressure effectively,” he added.
While DC has faced consecutive defeats after winning their first two matches and is yet to secure an IPL title, Nigam assured that the atmosphere within the team remains positive as they look to bounce back against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium this Saturday.
“Morale is high. Despite the last two losses, we have time to address our mistakes. We are focused on learning from our past games and hope to turn things around. The team is in good form, and senior players alongside the coaching staff have provided us the freedom to express ourselves,” Nigam stated.
On maintaining communication with the coaching staff during the off-season, Nigam emphasized their consistent support and check-ins regarding player performance in various competitions.
“Our off-season is brief, but our coaching staff remains engaged with us. From last year to the start of this year's IPL, I have weekly conversations about our performances in domestic games, our training routines, and any challenges we face. The coaching staff ensures that players feel supported and comfortable sharing any concerns,” he concluded.
Catch the Delhi Capitals as they face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the TATA IPL 2026's Rivalry Week on April 18, starting at 3:30 PM, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has Vipraj Nigam's performance in IPL 2026 been?
Vipraj Nigam has played three matches in IPL 2026 and has taken one wicket so far.
What did Nigam learn from playing with India A?
Nigam emphasized the importance of learning new skills and insights from top players while sharing the dressing room with them.
What is the current morale of the Delhi Capitals team?
Despite recent losses, the morale within the team remains high, with a focus on learning from mistakes and looking to improve.
How does KL Rahul impact the team as a wicketkeeper?
KL Rahul's ability to read the game and communicate effectively with younger bowlers is crucial for the team's strategy during matches.
What role does the coaching staff play during the off-season?
The coaching staff maintains regular contact with players, checking in on their performance and training routines throughout the year.
