Delhi Capitals (DC) batsman KL Rahul revealed about his ‘Kantara Utsav’ during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Rahul said he wanted to make a statement as there was speculation about his possible return to the Bengaluru franchise.
The 33-year-old player, known for his composed behavior on the field, imitated the ‘Kantara’ celebration after his match-winning innings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 10. Rahul, playing for Delhi Capitals (DC), told the world that Bengaluru is his home ground, from where his cricket journey began.
KL Rahul ranks his top five on-field celebrations
During his appearance on YouTube channel 2 Sloggers, KL Rahul recounted his most memorable celebrations on the field. Notably, his viral ‘Kantara’ gesture was not his top choice.
Rahul ranked his ‘dab’ celebration at No. 5 and his two-finger salute in the Test series against West Indies at No. 4. He placed his ‘Shut the Noise’ gesture, often seen as a response to critics, at number 3, while the ‘Kantara’ celebration was at number two.
The wicketkeeper-batsman described his century celebration against Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup as his favourite. He scored an unbeaten 111 runs off 106 balls and celebrated the milestone by calmly raising his bat towards the sky. Notably, this was his first match for India after surgery and rehabilitation.
I needed to make some statement – KL Rahul
Royal Challengers Bangalore withdrew from the auction for ₹10.50 crore, and Delhi Capitals signed KL Rahul for ₹14 crore ahead of IPL 2025. The batsman admitted that the celebration was not pre-planned but was sparked by off-field conversations and his connection with Bengaluru.
“It was not planned. Other celebrations were planned. I had a lot of things going on in my life outside the field. So, it was one of those moments where I lost control of my emotions,” Rahul told 2 Sluggers.
“It was in Bengaluru, and it was that year, it was on my mind, and there was talk on social media that I would go back to Bengaluru, and for whatever reason I didn’t go. So, I felt I needed to make some statement.”
Royal Challengers Bangalore win first IPL title in 2025
KL Rahul scored unbeaten 93 runs on 53 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Delhi Capitals star finished the season with 539 runs at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72, which included three half-centuries and a century.
However, the Delhi-based franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs, while RCB won their maiden IPL title with a win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final.
The 33-year-old last played for India in the three-match ODI series against Australia. He scored 49 runs in the first two matches and did not bat in the last match.
The wicketkeeper-batsman is not part of the squad for the upcoming five-match T20 series against Australia starting on October 29. However, he is expected to return for the two-match home Test series against South Africa starting November 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Also read: KL Rahul’s official statement released on IPL trade, which team will he join?