April 28, 2025: In a thrilling encounter at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Delhi Capitals (DC) were handed a defeat by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), but it was the playful interaction between KL Rahul and Virat Kohli that stole the show after the match.
The two stars, both from different franchises, had a light-hearted moment following RCB’s hard-fought win, which saw them secure revenge against DC for the earlier fixture in Bengaluru. Rahul had marked his territory earlier by making a statement on the field with a viral celebration after a brilliant win for DC in their home ground. But it was Kohli’s 51-run knock, combined with Krunal Pandya’s all-around heroics, that powered RCB to a victory in Delhi, pushing them to the top of the IPL 2025 table.
In the post-match moments, both Rahul and Kohli were seen chatting with each other, sharing some fun banter. Delhi Capitals’ official social media shared a video where Rahul could be heard joking with Kohli, saying, “That’s what I was telling him. Good, you got out,” referring to Kohli’s departure from the game after his half-century.
Kohli, known for his competitive spirit, humorously responded by revealing his plans if he had stayed unbeaten until the end of the match. “You know what I was thinking? I’ll finish the match and do this, and come to you and give you a hug. These guys don’t know how we are off the field,” Kohli remarked, showcasing their brotherly bond.
However, fate intervened, and Kohli was dismissed for 51 by Dushmantha Chameera in the 18th over of the chase, just as he was on the brink of carrying his team to victory. Despite the departure, Krunal Pandya’s match-winning knock helped RCB cross the line and secure the win.
The victory also gave RCB a new record for most away wins in a single edition of the IPL. Now sitting at the top of the table, RCB will face Chennai Super Kings next on May 3, 2025, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, in what promises to be another thrilling contest.
This exchange between Rahul and Kohli once again demonstrated the camaraderie and friendship shared by the two stars, who despite being fierce competitors on the field, maintain a close relationship off it.