Ex-Mumbai Indians player wants to use DPL 2025 as launchpad to make IPL comeback

Having franchise-owned T20 leagues is a perfect model to create future superstars. These state leagues have unearthed talents such as Varun Chakaravarthy, Ramandeep Singh, Priyansh Arya, and many others early in their careers. Well, simultaneously, these much-needed leagues do provide platforms for experienced pros who are looking to make notable comebacks. One such player is Deepak Punia, a former Mumbai Indians (MI) player.

Redemption on cards for Deepak Punia?

India doesn’t often feel spoilt for choices when it comes to having pace-bowling all-rounders. But there’s a forgotten talent in Deepak Punia, who started his career at the under-19 level in Haryana. Through toil year after year, Punia went on to play for Services, Haryana, Saurashtra and Delhi. He was part of the Saurashtra team that finished as runners-up in the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy.

A bustling pacer, who can stick to lines and lengths, coupled with his insane abilities to hit the ball long. Fascinatingly, Punia was part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) team for two years (2016-2017). We all know how brilliant MI’s scouting team has been. It was them who first spotted the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Nicholas Pooran, Kuldeep Yadav and even Yuzvendra Chahal. So, in all likelihood, they saw something in Punia as well. But his career has since turned out to be a big “what if”.

But now, the Delhi Premier League (DPL) has given the 31-year-old a huge lifeline. Punia, who had an ordinary inaugural season of DPL, has now come in with all the preparations to give in his all. He has started the season with a bang as well.

Against defending champions East Delhi Riders, Punia came to bat when his side was at 115/4 after 15.3 overs. New Delhi desperately needed a late boost to get to near 150. But what followed was an immaculate display of hitting by Punia, who clubbed 41 off just 15 balls. Well, 23 of those runs came off Navdeep Saini’s bowling. Saini, who had another poor outing in the DPL, leaked 23 off 7 against Punia. He hammered boundaries against another premier pacer Akhil Chaudhary.

While Punia wasn’t able to take a wicket with his bowling, he has always been a great pace bowler. He even learned some tricks from Dale Steyn when he was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as a net bowler. Speaking after the eighth match of DPL 2025, Punia put forward his desire to play in the IPL.

“Delhi Premier League (DPL) is a fantastic platform. It is a bit easy for players to get picked in the IPL from the DPL. Players need to give their 100%. I have done all the practice and have prepared quite extensively for this season and playing in the IPL would be the main goal. I would love to play at a higher level (IPL) and there are many matches left in the tournament. I just want to perform at the best of my abilities for my team.”