• Wanindu Hasaranga's spectacular four-wicket haul propelled RR to their first victory of IPL 2025.

  • Rajasthan Royals secured a thrilling six-run win over Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati.

IPL 2025: Wanindu Hasaranga reveals the reason behind his vibrant ‘Pushpa’ celebration during RR vs CSK game
Wanindu Hasaranga reveals reason behind his vibrant ‘Pushpa’ celebration during RR vs CSK game (Image source: X)

Indian Premier League (IPL) never fails to deliver moments of brilliance, and the Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was no exception. Amidst a nail-biting six-run victory for RR, Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga emerged as the star of the night with his stellar bowling performance and a celebration that captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

Wanindu Hasaranga’s ‘Pushpa’ moment

Hasaranga’s four-wicket haul was not just a game-changer; it was a spectacle. After dismissing key CSK players, including Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube, Hasaranga celebrated in style with the iconic ‘Jhukega Nahi’ pose from the blockbuster South Indian movie ‘Pushpa: The Rise.’ The celebration, characterized by its defiant energy, resonated with fans in the stadium and added a layer of entertainment to the match.

When asked about his unique celebration, Hasaranga revealed his love for South Indian cinema. “I love to watch Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil films, and I got that from the Pushpa film,” he shared during the post-match interview. His tribute to Pushpa not only showcased his personality but also bridged the gap between cricket and pop culture.

Hasaranga’s bowling masterclass

Hasaranga’s bowling figures of 4/35 were instrumental in Rajasthan Royals defending their total of 182 runs. The leg-spinner struck gold with his very first delivery, dismissing Rahul Tripathi. He followed it up with wickets of Dube, Vijay Shankar, and CSK skipper Gaikwad—three of which came immediately after conceding sixes. His ability to bounce back under pressure demonstrated his skill and temperament.

Among his four dismissals, Hasaranga cherished Gaikwad’s wicket the most. “Ruturaj Gaikwad is a really good player; he batted very well. At the end of the innings, I got him out with Riyan Parag taking a brilliant catch,” Hasaranga added. This crucial breakthrough tilted the game in Rajasthan’s favour during a tense phase.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Fans erupt with excitement as CSK star MS Dhoni checks on injured RR coach Rahul Dravid after a thrilling match in Guwahati

Rajasthan Royals break their losing streak

RR’s first win of IPL 2025 came after two consecutive losses. Batting first at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, RR posted a competitive total of 182/9, thanks to Nitish Rana‘s explosive knock of 81 off just 36 balls. Despite losing early wickets, Rana’s aggressive approach ensured RR had enough on the board to challenge CSK.

In response, CSK fell short by six runs despite valiant efforts from Gaikwad (63 off 44 balls) and MS Dhoni. Dhoni brought hope in the final overs but was caught off Shimron Hetmyer’s brilliant fielding effort in the deep. Jofra Archer also played a key role for RR with an economical spell upfront.

While Hasaranga was undoubtedly the star performer, Rajasthan Royals’ bowling unit worked cohesively to defend their total. Archer set the tone with a wicket-maiden in the powerplay, while Maheesh Theekshana complemented Hasaranga in controlling the middle overs. “We have a really good bowling attack, Myself and Maheesh have different roles to play—sometimes with the old ball and sometimes in the middle,” Hasaranga concluded.

Also WATCH: Shimron Hetmyer grabs a match-changing catch of MS Dhoni, denies CSK a thrilling win over RR

Subscribe to Cricket Times on YouTube to watch Exclusive Interviews, Podcasts, Daily News Updates & Explainers.

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Featured IPL Rajasthan Royals Wanindu Hasaranga

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.