Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul recently became a viral sensation after his emotional celebration following a win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Known for being calm on the field, Rahul showed a different side by thumping his chest, pointing at the ground, and tapping his bat. It looked like he was claiming the M Chinnaswamy Stadium as his own.
What Inspired KL Rahul’s Celebration
In a video released by Delhi Capitals, Rahul explained the reason behind his celebration. He said, “This is a special place for me. This celebration was inspired by one of my favourite movies, Kantara.” The Kannada movie, released in 2022, stars Rishabh Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, and Achyuth Kumar. In the movie, a character plants his sword into the ground, which Rahul mirrored with his bat.
KL Rahul’s Strong Connection With M Chinnaswamy Stadium
Rahul’s Early Cricket Journey at This Ground
Being a player from Karnataka, Rahul spent a lot of his early cricket career at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. He even played for RCB during the 2013 and 2016 IPL seasons. This ground holds a special place in his heart.
Impressive T20 Record at Chinnaswamy
In 20 T20 matches at this stadium, Rahul has scored 544 runs. His batting average stands at 41.84 with a strike rate above 145. He has hit three half-centuries, with his best score being 93*.
IPL Performances at Chinnaswamy
Rahul has played 18 IPL matches at Chinnaswamy, scoring 475 runs at an average of 43.18 and a strike rate close to 144. He has made three fifties here, showing his consistency on this ground.
ODI and Test Records at Chinnaswamy
In ODIs at this ground, Rahul has made 121 runs in two matches, with a high score of 102. This century was the fastest by an Indian in a Cricket World Cup, coming in just 62 balls against the Netherlands in 2023. In Tests, he has scored 207 runs across five innings with three fifties, maintaining an average of 41.40.
How Delhi Capitals Won the Match Against RCB
Delhi Capitals’ Bowling Dominates RCB
Delhi Capitals chose to bowl first. Their spinners, Kuldeep Yadav (2/17) and Vipraj Nigam (2/18), performed brilliantly. They restricted RCB to 163/7 in 20 overs. Despite a good 61-run partnership between Phil Salt (37 runs) and Virat Kohli (22 runs), RCB could not build a big score.
KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs Save the Day
While chasing, Delhi Capitals lost early wickets and were struggling at 58/4. KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs then built a strong partnership of 111 runs without getting out. Rahul remained unbeaten at 93 off 53 balls, hitting seven fours and six sixes. Stubbs supported him well with 38* off 23 balls, including four boundaries and one six.
Delhi Capitals and KL Rahul Shine in IPL 2025
Delhi Capitals’ Strong Position
With this win, Delhi Capitals hold the second spot in the points table, winning all four of their matches. Meanwhile, RCB is at fourth place with three wins out of five matches.
KL Rahul’s Outstanding Form
KL Rahul was named ‘Player of the Match’. In three matches so far, he has scored 185 runs at an incredible average above 92 and a strike rate near 170. He already has two half-centuries to his name, with his highest score being 93*.
