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In a pulsating IPL 2025 clash between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium, it was KL Rahul who stole the limelight with a breathtaking knock of 93 not out off 53 balls. But what truly set social media and stadium vibes on fire wasn’t just his match-winning innings — it was his fierce celebration after hitting the winning six.
As the ball soared over the long leg boundary, Rahul thumped his chest, pointed to his jersey, and roared, “Yeh mera ground hai” — a powerful declaration that echoed far beyond the cricket field. In a post-match revelation, Rahul unpacked the inspiration behind this iconic gesture, linking it to both personal history and cinematic influence.
KL Rahul shares the story behind his celebration
Rahul’s animated celebration was more than just an emotional release — it was an artistic expression. Drawing inspiration from the critically acclaimed Kannada film ‘Kantara,’ known for its powerful performances and deep cultural roots, Rahul revealed that the celebration was a tribute to the movie’s protagonist and his connection to the land.
“This is a special place for me. The celebration was from one of my favourite movies, Kantara. So, yes, just a tiny reminder that this ground, this home, this turf is where I have grown up — and this is mine,” Rahul said in a video shared by Delhi Capitals.
The sword-like thrust of the bat into the ground was symbolic — a stamp of dominance and belonging. For Rahul, it wasn’t just about winning a game. It was about reclaiming his space on familiar turf — a field where he honed his skills and where the crowd once chanted his name in red.
The way he says 'This is mine' 🥹 pic.twitter.com/DKnWv2HcmN
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 11, 2025
Also READ: IPL 2025: Virat Kohli becomes first-ever player to reach a historic IPL milestone despite RCB’s loss to DC
Homecoming hero: Mastering the Bengaluru turf
Although Rahul now dons the blue of Delhi Capitals, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium still feels like home. Having represented Karnataka and RCB in his early career, Rahul has a long-standing bond with the venue. That familiarity played a crucial role in his performance.
“The wicket was tricky,” Rahul admitted. “But what helped me was being behind the stumps for 20 overs, watching how the pitch behaved. It was consistent, a bit slow, and I knew what my pockets were — where I could hit sixes, where to take singles. Keeping gave me a feeler for the fielding patterns, and that helped massively,” he added.
It was not brute force but calculated craftsmanship that allowed Rahul to chase down 164 with such poise. Nine fours, five sixes, and a deep understanding of the conditions transformed a pressure-laden situation into a memorable triumph.
Adaptation over aggression: Rahul’s evolving approach
While the flamboyance of his celebration made headlines, Rahul’s post-match interview offered a glimpse into the method behind the magic. “I don’t just slog in practice. I experiment — sometimes I get out, but it helps me figure out areas I can target. I try to make playing on different pitches second nature,” he explained.
This calm, introspective mindset has helped Rahul rediscover his rhythm this season. Once criticized for his cautious approach in T20s, the 2025 version of Rahul is a blend of composure, power, and sharp cricketing intellect.
With Delhi Capitals remaining unbeaten and comfortably perched atop the points table, Rahul’s form and redemption arc are proving to be a winning combination. His unbeaten 93 not only guided DC to a six-wicket win but also sent a strong message to rivals.
