Hasaranga’s ‘Pushpa’ Celebration Steals the Show as Royals Clinch First Win

Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga dazzled with a 4-wicket haul and a cinematic ‘Pushpa’ celebration, leading Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling victory over Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.

Guwahati (Assam), March 31: Rajasthan Royals’ Wanindu Hasaranga not only spun a web around Chennai Super Kings but also brought some cinematic flair to the field with a ‘Pushpa’-style celebration that lit up the ongoing IPL 2025 clash in Guwahati. The Sri Lankan leg-spinner’s four-wicket masterclass helped RR clinch their first victory of the season in dramatic fashion.

After each dismissal, especially following a six conceded on the previous delivery, Hasaranga broke into Allu Arjun’s iconic gesture from the blockbuster Telugu film Pushpa, delighting fans with both skill and swagger.

“I love watching Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil films. That celebration was inspired by Pushpa,” Hasaranga revealed after the match.

Hasaranga’s spell was as impactful as it was entertaining. He claimed key scalps of Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, and CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad — the last of whom was looking dangerous with a 63-run knock.

“Ruturaj’s wicket was my favourite,” Hasaranga said. “He was playing really well, but we managed to get him in the end, thanks to a brilliant catch by Riyan Parag.”

He finished with figures of 4/35, consistently striking after conceding boundaries and proving to be the game-changer in a tense six-run win for Rajasthan Royals.

CSK, chasing 183, looked on course at times but kept losing wickets at crucial intervals. Hasaranga’s ability to hit back after taking punishment showcased his composure and match awareness.

Speaking about their turnaround after two defeats, Hasaranga credited RR’s varied bowling attack. “We’ve got a strong unit, especially in the middle overs with myself and Maheesh Theekshana. We have different roles—sometimes with the old ball, sometimes through the middle—and it worked well today.”

The Royals will now look to carry this momentum into their upcoming fixtures, with their spinners—and Hasaranga’s theatrics—firmly in the spotlight.