13 Vipraj Nigam

A deceptive right-arm leg-spinner and a potent lower-order striker, Vipraj Nigam (born July 28, 2004) is one of the brightest all-round prospects to emerge from the Uttar Pradesh cricketing stable. Hailing from Barabanki, Nigam’s rapid rise from the UP T20 League to becoming a vital “Impact Player” for the Delhi Capitals (DC) is a testament to his modern-day versatility.

As of January 20, 2026, Nigam is coming off a highly productive domestic season. After a breakout 2025 where he debuted for both Uttar Pradesh and Delhi Capitals, he has been retained for the IPL 2026 season at his acquisition price of ₹50 Lakh. He enters the new campaign fresh from a solid showing in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he helped Uttar Pradesh reach the quarter-finals.

Vipraj Nigam: Career Highlights & 2025 Breakthrough

The “Impact” Debut: LSG vs DC (March 2024)

Vipraj Nigam announced himself on the big stage during his IPL debut against Lucknow Super Giants in 2025. Batting at a critical juncture, he smashed a blistering 39 off just 15 balls, proving his mettle as a high-intent finisher. He also chipped in with a crucial wicket, immediately justifying the Delhi Capitals’ scouting team’s faith in his all-round abilities.

Domestic Dominance: The “Lucknow Falcons” Star

Nigam’s reputation as a wicket-taker was forged in the UP T20 League, where he claimed 20 wickets in 11 matches for the Lucknow Falcons. His ability to maintain a tight economy while picking up middle-over wickets led to his First-Class debut in October 2024. In a memorable Ranji Trophy clash against Andhra in October 2025, he claimed a gritty 4-wicket haul (4/136) and shared a vital 112-run partnership to keep Uttar Pradesh in the contest.

IPL 2026: The Strategic All-Rounder

For the 2026 season, Delhi Capitals view Nigam as a flexible tactical asset. Under the captaincy of Axar Patel and the guidance of coach Hemang Badani, he is expected to play a specialized role—bowling restrictive leg-spin in the middle overs and providing late-innings fireworks. His high strike rate (179.75 in IPL 2025) makes him a perfect foil for established finishers like Tristan Stubbs.

Vipraj Nigam: IPL & Domestic Career Statistics

Data consolidated as of January 20, 2026.

IPL Batting & Fielding Records

IPL Bowling Performance

Domestic Summary (All Formats)

• First-Class: 13 wickets in 3 matches (BBM: 4/81).

• List A: 4 wickets in 5 matches (BBM: 2/54).

• T20s (SMAT + UP T20): 15 wickets in 15 matches (Econ: 7.12).