KL Rahul’s ‘Kantara’ Celebration Goes Viral-IPL 2025
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Kantara celebration KL Rahul & Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli Responds in Style – IPL 2025 Drama Heats Up
KL Rahul’s Master class at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium–IPL 2025
A week ago in IPL 2025, KL Rahul came up with a dazzling innings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Playing for the Delhi Capitals, Rahul struck an unbeaten 93 from just 53 balls. His pyrotechnic innings was the prime reason behind Delhi achieving a target of 164 in just 17.5 overs. The victory was a big morale booster for Delhi Capitals and personally for Rahul too on a track he considers to be close to his heart.
The dominating Delhi batter’s inning was full of classy shots, calculated gambles, and bold finishing. But what gained as much talk as his batting was the celebration thereafter. Fans, commentators, and even players could not help but discuss it.
The ‘Kantara’ Celebrations That Left one and all shocked
KL Rahul won the match by celebrating in his own unique way. First, he hit the ball over the boundary ropes as a six and then went around his bat on the ground and hit it in the center. Then, after securing the win, he beat his chest and pointed to the ground, as if saying to all and sundry, “this is home.”.
The gesture was instantaneously viral on social media, with everyone trying to guess what the gesture signified. Rahul later clarified the inspiration behind it in a post-match interview, saying that the gesture was taken from his favorite film, Kantara. In the movie, the lead character performs a similar ritual to express his connection with the land.
Rahul made it clear that the ceremony was not a show of emotionalism—it was an individual experience. He had played on the same fields of Chinnaswamy Stadium growing up, having played here for Karnataka for so long before emerging as a sensation in the IPL and international cricket.
“This is a special place for me,” said Rahul. “That celebration was from one of my favourite movies, Kantara. Just a tiny reminder that this ground, this turf, this home is where I’ve grown up and that this is mine.”
Virat Kohli Has the Last Laugh in Return Fixture
Cut to Sunday, and Virat Kohli had his turn in the same lime light. In RCB vs Delhi Capitals’ come back match, Kohli also played a thinking man’s and stoic game, scoring 51 runs and taking his team to a six-wicket win against Delhi. RCB beat Delhi with six wickets while chasing 163, with eight balls left on their home turf.
This time around, it was Kohli who made headlines with a cheeky ‘Kantara’ celebration amidst post-match celebration. When KL Rahul was busy talking to Karun Nair, Kohli approached them and replicated the exact same ‘Kantara’ celebration Rahul did weeks ago. It was cheeky and childlike and showed the competitive mindset of Kohli as well as his sense of humor.
There was no bad blood between the two. The two players, who have shared numerous moments as teammates for India, erupted into a fit of laughter following the friendly act. This was caught on camera and went viral pretty soon, with fans loving the banter and respect between the stars.
RCB Tops IPL 2025 Points Table
RCB’s win against Delhi was significant, not just for revenge, but also for places. With this win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru topped the IPL 2025 points table. Kohli, with his 51-run performance, also took the top spot on the Orange Cap list for most runs accumulated thus far this year.
RCB’s home form has been inconsistent, but when they are on the road, they have not lost a match this season. This consistency of performance has taken them to the top of the table. Kohli, too, has now regained his form and is leading the way once again. RCB are again title contenders.
Chinnaswamy Stadium – A Special Ground for Rahul
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been a special ground in KL Rahul’s career. It’s the ground where he grew up playing cricket as a kid, made his mark in domestic cricket, and where he donned the RCB jersey at one point. That is why his on-field celebration was more meaningful—it wasn’t just about scoring runs; it was about paying respects to his roots.
The party, as guided by Kantara, was not just a film tribute—it was Rahul’s gesture to the fact that wherever he performs, Bengaluru will be home ground forever.
