Key Highlights:
A brilliant bowling performance by Vipraj Nigam in Thursday’s high-voltage IPL 2025 clash between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru turned controversial off the field when fans mistakenly flooded singer Sonu Nigam’s Instagram with hate comments, thinking he was the bowler who dismissed Virat Kohli.
The leg-spinner’s crucial breakthrough not only shifted the momentum of the match but also ignited a bizarre social media frenzy due to a case of mistaken identity.
The Moment That Changed the Game
The drama unfolded at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium when Vipraj Nigam bowled a crafty delivery in the 7th over that led to Kohli’s dismissal for 22 runs. Attempting an inside-out shot, Kohli misjudged the spin and elevation, skying it towards long-off. Mitchell Starc timed his run and pulled off a spectacular sliding catch.
RCB’s innings, which had started with a power-packed 61/0 in just five overs, soon collapsed to 117/6, with Vipraj’s breakthrough proving pivotal.
Sonu Nigam Becomes an Accidental Target
While Vipraj Nigam celebrated his major scalp, Sonu Nigam, the renowned Bollywood singer, was unintentionally pulled into the chaos. Due to the shared last name, irate RCB fans mistook him for the bowler and bombarded his Instagram with abusive comments.
Virat Kohli Out to Vipraj Nigam
— Was Guri (@Was_Guri) April 10, 2025
RCB fans Abusing Sonu Nigam😭🤣#RCBvDC #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/5T9md7rZ7K
The singer, known for staying away from cricketing controversies, has not responded yet, but the incident highlights the impact of misinformation and digital misidentification in high-emotion scenarios like the IPL.
Who is Vipraj Nigam?
Vipraj Nigam, a 24-year-old Delhi Capitals all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, is quickly becoming a name to watch. Bought for INR 50 lakh in the previous mega auction, Vipraj has made significant contributions with the ball in IPL 2025:
- 5 wickets in 4 matches
- Economy rate: 8.47
- Match-defining wicket: Virat Kohli
Vipraj rose to prominence in the UPT20 2024, claiming 20 wickets in 12 matches at a strike rate of 11.15. His all-format contribution in the domestic 2024–25 season included 103 runs and 9 wickets, solidifying his credentials.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he continued to impress with 8 wickets and a strike rate under 12, while also showing his power-hitting skills with an explosive 27 off 8 balls against Andhra Pradesh.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Endorsement
Team India’s left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has observed Vipraj’s journey closely, remarked:
“Vipraj was a batter till his Under-19 days. Then, he started bowling leg-spin. He’s fearless and can hit big. I hadn’t seen him bat that well before. He’s immensely talented and has a long way to go.”
This blend of fearless batting and strategic bowling is what makes Vipraj Nigam a standout player in Delhi’s rising lineup.
What This Means for Delhi Capitals
The performance of Vipraj Nigam adds depth and variety to the Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack:
- A genuine all-rounder option
- Reliable in the middle overs
- Ability to change matches with bat and ball
As DC maintains their unbeaten streak and solidifies their position in the top two, Vipraj’s role is only expected to grow in upcoming fixtures.
How to Take Action: Misinformation in the IPL Era
The Sonu Nigam incident reveals how misinformation and fan emotions can cause unintended harm:
- Fans should verify identities before posting online abuse
- Social media platforms must monitor trending misinformation patterns
- Franchise and IPL media teams can help educate audiences on player profiles
Such errors can tarnish reputations and cause distress, especially when celebrities like Sonu Nigam become accidental victims.
RCB’s Slide Despite Strong Start
Despite a fiery opening by Virat Kohli and Philip Salt, who smashed 61 runs in the first five overs, RCB’s innings crumbled:
- From 61/0 to 117/6
- Tim David rescued the team with an unbeaten 37, including 19 off the final over
- But it was too little, too late
RCB’s bowling and middle-order remain a concern as they fight to stay in the playoff race.
Vipraj Nigam — Rising Star, Unintentional Controversy
Vipraj Nigam’s IPL journey is gaining momentum — not just due to his skills, but also from unexpected off-field drama. His dismissal of Virat Kohli marks a milestone in his early IPL career, earning him attention, admiration, and, unfortunately, mistaken hate.
As the league progresses, Delhi Capitals would do well to keep investing in young talents like Vipraj — who are not only delivering results but also redefining the future of Indian T20 cricket.
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