In a tense moment after the match, Delhi Capitals left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav slapped Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Rinku Singh twice following their 14-run loss. Kuldeep, who went wicketless for the second match in a row had seen his team concede 204/9 total which proved too much for DC to chase. Despite a strong start in the powerplay, KKR’s innings slowed down, but they still set a target that was out of reach for Delhi.
After the match, Kuldeep Yadav was having a light-hearted chat with Rinku Singh and others when he slapped the KKR batter twice. The first slap seemed playful, but after the second one Rinku’s expression changed, and he was seen having a more serious conversation with Kuldeep. While it wasn’t a major issue it reminded many of the famous Harbhajan Singh-Sreesanth slap from the first IPL season.
Earlier in the match, Kuldeep Yadav made a handy contribution with the bat scoring 36 runs off 25 balls including three fours and a six. He helped Delhi Capitals manage the middle overs. Kuldeep was brought on in the 11th over, where Rinku Singh hit a boundary off him, but he bounced back with a tight one-run over. However, in the 15th over, Rinku took charge hitting two fours and a six and Kuldeep gave away 17 runs. Captain Axar Patel decided not to bowl him in the slog overs as Kuldeep finished with 27 runs from three overs.
Yo kuldeep watch it pic.twitter.com/z2gp4PK3OY
— irate lobster🦞 (@rajadityax) April 29, 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders Playoff Hopes Alive: A Crucial Win Over DC
Kuldeep Yadav has been the most important bowler for Delhi Capitals this season, taking 12 wickets in 10 games at an average of 21.91. His economy rate of 6.74 runs an over is among the best in the team. Rinku Singh has made 169 runs from eight innings at an average of 33.80 and a strike rate of 145.68. But he’s yet to reach above 40 runs in an innings this season.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are still in the race for the playoffs and every game is crucial for them. The Ajinkya Rahane-led side will face Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on May 4. This win over Delhi Capitals (DC) marked KKR’s fourth victory from 10 matches bringing them to 9 points and seventh place on the points table. Their net run rate (NRR) is also positive. Despite the defeat, DC remains in fourth place with six wins from 10 games. They will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) away on May 5.
