Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 11: Delhi Capitals’ (DC) star KL Rahul has finally broken his silence on the passionate and now-viral celebration following DC’s commanding win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) — a moment that left fans and pundits in awe of the usually calm and composed cricketer.
After delivering a sensational unbeaten 93 off 53 balls, Rahul celebrated by thumping his chest, pointing at his jersey and the ground, a gesture that carried deep personal meaning for the Bengaluru-born batter.
🎬 A Tribute to Kantara & Chinnaswamy Stadium
Speaking in a DC media video, KL Rahul said:
“This is a special place for me. This celebration was from one of my favourite movies, Kantara. So, a tiny reminder that this ground, this turf, this place where I grew up, is mine.”
The celebration was a nod to a powerful scene from ‘Kantara’ (2022), the hit Kannada film that has captured cultural imagination. In the film, a character plants his sword into the ground — symbolic of dominance and ownership.
🏟️ KL’s Strong Connection with M Chinnaswamy Stadium
Rahul, who hails from Karnataka, has a deep emotional connection to M Chinnaswamy Stadium, having played much of his domestic and early IPL cricket there, including two stints with RCB (2013, 2016).
Here’s a look at his stats at the iconic venue:
- T20s at Chinnaswamy:
🏏 544 runs in 20 matches
📊 Average: 41.84 | Strike Rate: 145+
💥 3 fifties, Best: 93* - IPL Matches at Chinnaswamy:
🏏 475 runs in 18 games
📊 Average: 43.18 | Strike Rate: ~144
💥 3 fifties in 15 innings - ODIs:
🏏 121 runs in 2 matches
📈 Best: 102 off 62 balls vs Netherlands in WC 2023 (fastest WC ton by an Indian) - Tests:
🏏 207 runs in 3 matches
📈 Average: 41.40 | Best: 90
🔥 Match Recap: Rahul’s Match-Winning Knock
- RCB posted 163/7 thanks to Phil Salt (37) and Tim David (37*), with Kuldeep Yadav (2/17) and Vipraj Nigam (2/18) stifling the middle order.
- DC stumbled to 58/4, but Rahul and Tristan Stubbs (38 off 23)* powered a 111-run unbeaten fifth-wicket stand to clinch the win.
- KL’s Player of the Match performance:
- 👑 93 (53 balls) | 7 fours, 6 sixes
- 🚀 SR of nearly 175
📊 Rahul’s IPL 2025 So Far
- 🏏 185 runs in 3 matches
- 📊 Avg: 92+ | Strike Rate: ~170
- 💥 2 half-centuries, Best: 93*
DC now sits second on the points table with four wins in four games, while RCB is at fourth with three wins and two losses.