Here's why KL Rahul did 'mera ground hai' celebration vs RCB

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Apr 11, 2025, 16:56 IST

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KL Rahul's magnificent unbeaten 93 propelled Delhi Capitals to a six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday. Rahul's match-winning knock, combined with his intimate knowledge of the ground, guided his team to victory. He celebrated with a gesture inspired by the movie Kantara, declaring the stadium as his home turf.

Here's why KL Rahul did 'mera ground hai' celebration vs RCB

KL Rahul (BCCI/IPL Photo)

NEW DELHI: KL Rahul played a match-winning knock of 93 not out to steer Delhi Capitals to a six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Chasing a challenging target of 164 on a sluggish surface, Rahul held the innings together amidst early setbacks, crafting a magnificent unbeaten 93 off just 53 deliveries, decorated with nine boundaries and five maximums.
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He finished the game in style by sending Yash Dayal’s delivery sailing over the long leg fence for six, followed by a chest-thumping celebration as the crowd roared in appreciation �?a thunderous salute to their hometown hero.

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His ability to adapt to the pitch His unbeaten score of 93

Moments after sealing the win for Delhi Capitals, Rahul drove his bat into the turf like a sword, stamped his authority, pointed at his badge, and declared, "Ye mera ground hai (This is my ground)." At the post-match presentation, he reaffirmed, "This is my ground, my home, know this (ground) better than anyone else."

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In a video shared by Delhi Capitals, Rahul also opened up about the inspiration behind his never-before-seen celebration.
"This is a special place for me. The celebration was from one of my favourite movie Kantara. So, yes, just a tiny reminder that this ground, this home, this turf is where I hav grown up and this is mine," KL Rahul revealed.
Rahul acknowledged it was a tricky pitch.
"It was a slightly tricky wicket but what helped me was being behind the stumps for 20 overs, watching how the wicket played. The ball sat in the wicket but it was consistent throughout, it was one-paced. I knew what my shots are, wanted to get off to a good start, and then assess it accordingly. It depends on the conditions and the ground and the dimensions. On a wicket like this, I knew what my pockets were.
"If I wanted to hit a big six, I knew what pockets to target, and keeping gave me a feeler for where other batters were dismissed and where they hit the sixes. Got lucky with the dropped catch."

"Something I have always done with my preparation is that I always try to adapt to different wickets (even in practice). I experiment in practice, get out a couple of times but it gives me a fair idea of the areas I can target - where I can take singles, where I can hit sixes.
"I don't keep batting for hours and hours and keep slogging. I do that sometimes but that is when I am not getting into a flow and rhythm. It is more about how I can master playing (on a particular pitch) and that becomes second-nature," he said.
Delhi Capitals are unbeaten in the tournament and are currently placed at top of the points table.

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