Vipraj Nigam is an emerging talent in Indian cricket, making waves as a leg-spinning all-rounder. Born on July 28, 2004, in Delhi, India, this 20-year-old cricketer has quickly risen through the ranks of domestic cricket to secure a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Delhi Capitals for the 2025 season. Known for his skillful leg-break bowling and handy lower-order batting, Nigam is often compared to international stars like Rashid Khan for his crafty spin and to Rinku Singh for his explosive finishing ability. This article provides a comprehensive biography of Vipraj Nigam, his cricket journey, IPL debut, stats, and more, optimized for SEO to rank high on Google.
Early Life and Background
Vipraj Nigam was born and raised in Delhi, a city with a rich cricketing heritage. From a young age, he displayed a natural flair for cricket, particularly with his leg-spin bowling—a rare and valuable skill in modern cricket. Nigam honed his craft in local academies and age-group tournaments, catching the attention of scouts with his ability to turn the ball sharply and contribute with the bat. His family supported his passion, and by his teenage years, he was already a standout performer in Delhi’s competitive cricket circuit.
Domestic Cricket Career
Nigam’s journey in professional cricket began with Uttar Pradesh, where he represents the state in domestic competitions. His versatility as a leg-spinner and lower-order batsman has made him a key asset in all formats of the game—First-Class, List A, and T20.
First-Class Debut
Nigam made his First-Class debut for Uttar Pradesh against Bengal on October 11, 2024, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. In his debut match, he showcased his potential by picking up 4 wickets for 81 runs in the first innings, followed by 2 for 76 in the second. His resilience and ability to bowl long spells earned him praise from coaches and teammates alike.
List A and T20 Debuts
- List A Debut: Nigam debuted in the 50-over format against Mizoram on December 23, 2024, at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
- T20 Debut: His T20 career kicked off on November 27, 2024, playing for Uttar Pradesh against Manipur in Mumbai. Earlier, he had also played for the Lucknow Falcons in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League (UPT20), where he gained significant recognition.
Breakthrough in UPT20 League
The Uttar Pradesh T20 League 2024 proved to be a turning point for Nigam. Representing the Lucknow Falcons, he emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament, claiming 20 wickets in 11 matches at an impressive strike rate of 11.15 and an economy rate of 7.45. His best figures of 5/19 highlighted his ability to dismantle batting lineups, while his occasional big-hitting with the bat added to his all-round value.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25
Nigam’s performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy further solidified his reputation. In the pre-quarterfinal against Andhra in December 2024, he played a match-winning role for Uttar Pradesh, scoring 27* off 8 balls and taking 2 wickets for 20 runs in 4 overs. This all-round display caught the eye of IPL scouts, paving the way for his big break.
IPL Journey: Delhi Capitals Signing
At the IPL 2025 Mega Auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24-25, 2024, Vipraj Nigam was acquired by the Delhi Capitals for INR 50 lakhs. Despite interest from Mumbai Indians, Delhi secured his services, recognizing his potential as a leg-spinner who could complement their spin trio of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. At just 20 years old, Nigam’s signing for a modest price was seen as a steal, given his domestic performances.
IPL Debut – March 24, 2025
Nigam made his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals against Lucknow Super Giants on March 24, 2025, at the YSR ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. In his first match, he made an immediate impact by dismissing the experienced Aiden Markram with a flighted delivery in his opening over. However, his second over saw him concede 35 runs, including four sixes to Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran, reflecting the steep learning curve of the IPL. Despite the mixed outing, his debut showcased his raw talent and fighting spirit.
Playing Style and Skills
Bowling
Vipraj Nigam is a right-arm leg-spinner known for his sharp turn and deceptive flight. His ability to bowl with control in the middle overs makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket. With an economy rate consistently under 7 in domestic T20s and under 5 in recent Ranji Trophy matches, he has proven his wicket-taking ability and containment skills.
Batting
As a right-handed lower-order batsman, Nigam brings explosive power to the crease. His aggressive approach, reminiscent of Rinku Singh, allows him to accelerate the scoring rate in crunch situations. His unbeaten 27 off 8 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a testament to his finishing capabilities.
Career Statistics (As of March 25, 2025)
First-Class
- Matches: 3
- Wickets: 18
- Best Bowling: 4/81
- Economy: ~4.5
- Runs: 41 (across 6 innings)
List A
- Matches: 5
- Wickets: Not fully documented yet
- Debut: December 23, 2024
T20 (Domestic + IPL)
- Matches: 8 (including 1 IPL game)
- Wickets: 23
- Best Bowling: 5/19 (UPT20)
- Economy: ~7.45 (pre-IPL)
- Runs: 66 (notable 27* off 8 balls)
IPL 2025
- Matches: 1
- Wickets: 1 (Aiden Markram)
- Runs Conceded: 35 (2 overs)
- Economy: 17.50
Note: Stats are based on available data up to March 25, 2025, and will evolve as his career progresses.
Achievements and Highlights
- Second-highest wicket-taker in UPT20 League 2024: 20 wickets in 11 matches.
- Key performer in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25: Helped Uttar Pradesh reach the quarterfinals.
- Col C K Nayudu Trophy 2024: Took 35 wickets in 8 matches and scored 364 runs, showcasing his all-round prowess.
- IPL Debut Wicket: Dismissed Aiden Markram in his first over for Delhi Capitals.
Personal Life
Little is known about Nigam’s personal life as he keeps a low profile off the field. Born in Delhi but representing Uttar Pradesh, he embodies the grit and determination of a young cricketer chasing his dreams. In interviews, he has expressed his commitment to refining his skills and his aspiration to play for India.
Future Prospects
At 20, Vipraj Nigam is at the start of what promises to be a stellar career. His leg-spin bowling fills a critical gap in Indian cricket, where quality spinners are always in demand. With mentorship from the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel at Delhi Capitals, Nigam has the platform to grow into a match-winner in the IPL and beyond. If he maintains his form and adapts to the pressures of international cricket, a call-up to the Indian national team could be on the horizon.
Why Vipraj Nigam is a Name to Watch in IPL 2025
Nigam’s combination of leg-spin wizardry and lower-order hitting makes him a rare commodity in T20 cricket. His IPL debut, though a rollercoaster, highlighted his potential to influence games. As Delhi Capitals look to build a balanced squad, Nigam could emerge as a key player in their 2025 campaign.
