KL Rahul gives direct message to RCB with bone-chilling celebration after humiliating them at Chinnaswamy Stadium

DC star KL Rahul delivered a match-winning innings against RCB, celebrating his victory with an uncharacteristic aggressive gesture.

KL Rahul gives direct message to RCB with bone-chilling celebration after humiliating them at Chinnaswamy Stadium

KL Rahul made an aggressive celebratory gesture following his match-winning innings for DC, against his former side RCB. (via India Today)

Delhi Capitals star and veteran Indian wicket-keeper batsman KL Rahul stole the show with an impressive match-winning knock against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in a much-heated IPL encounter. The 32-year-old batter, after hitting the winning runs for his side, made an aggressive gesture.

KL Rahul continued with his brilliant batting for his new IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, who bought him at the auction for INR 14 crores. Rahul has now scored a total of 185 runs in three matches, at a stunning average of 92.50 and a strike rate of 169.72. Crediting his recent resurgence in form in T20 cricket to Team Indian batting coach Abhishek Nayar, Rahul has recorded two consecutive 50+ individual scores.

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The 32-year-old was adjudged the Man of the Match for his unbeaten knock of 93 runs off 53 balls, against RCB, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Batting first, RCB were restricted to a subpar total of 163 runs by the DC bowlers, with Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam taking two wickets each. The home side did get off to a good start, thanks to a 61-run opening stand between Phil Salt and Virat Kohli.

In response, DC, lost three wickets in the first three overs of the match. However, in-form KL Rahul brought the visitors back on track, unleashing a lethal counterattack against the RCB bowlers, while receiving support from Tristan Stubbs on the other end. The two players stitched an 111-run partnership, guiding DC to its fourth successive win this season.

Falling seven runs short of his fifth IPL century, KL Rahul hit two sixes and a boundary in the 18th over, off Yash Dayal to finish off the match in a spectacular manner. After thumping his chest in aggression, KL Rahul then made a bone-chilling celebratory gesture by making an imaginary circle on the ground, and stomping his bat in it. It was quite a startling sight, as Rahul demonstrated his authority.

Speaking after the match, the former LSG skipper noted the tricky nature of the wicket. However, he exclaimed that wicket-keeping behind the stumps helped him understand the conditions better. About the post-match celebration, the 32-year-old Karnataka batter stated that the Chinnaswamy Stadium is his home ground, and he has an upper-hand knowledge of the pitch better than the other players.

Meanwhile, some fans perceived Rahul’s celebration as a response to RCB’s decision to not go after their former player at the 2025 IPL Mega Auction, despite having the funds. KL Rahul played for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru between 2013 and 2017, with the 2016 season being the best one for him in RCB colors.

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar snubbs KL Rahul, following humiliating defeat against DC

Delhi Capitals batter KL Rahul played an impressive knock of 93 runs against his former side Royal Challengers Bengaluru, to help his team chase down a 164 run target. DC went on to win the match by six wickets, leaving them unbeaten this season, on top of the 2025 IPL table. 

KL Rahul Rajat Patidar
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar seemed to ignore DC star KL Rahul, during the post-match handshake. (via NDTV Sports)

After the memorable win, Rahul celebrated aggressively. A video later emerged of Rahul being ignored by RCB captain Rajat Patidar, during the customary post-match handshakes. He was seen shaking hands with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. However, just when he approached Patidar, the RCB skipper walked ahead without a glance, seemingly ignoring the DC batter.

However, it is yet to be ascertained whether Patidar’s act was intentional or just an error in recognizing KL Rahul in the heat of the moment. The RCB skipper did receive criticism for his actions on social media, with some fans noting that the snub was out of frustration.