Rahane’s light-hearted yet candid remark to Iyer during post-match handshake wins hearts after Kolkata fail to chase 112
Chandigarh, April 16, 2025 – After a heart-wrenching loss in one of the most dramatic matches of IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane shared a moment of humility and camaraderie with Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer. As the teams lined up for the post-match handshake, Rahane smiled and jokingly remarked:
“Kya faltu batting kari humne” (What a terrible batting effort from us).
The moment, captured on camera, quickly went viral, with fans applauding Rahane’s grace and honesty in defeat.
Was watching the #PBKSvKKR game and caught this funny bit as Shreyas and Rahane shook hands at the end. In a self-deprecating way Rahane appears to be saying to Shreyas in Marathi : काय फालतू बॅटिंग केली ना आम्ही (We played terrible, didn't we) 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/bNkC7TXGbU
— निखिल घाणेकर (Nikhil Ghanekar) (@NGhanekar) April 15, 2025
🏏 A Match That Slipped Through KKR’s Hands
Chasing a modest 112-run target, KKR were cruising at 62/3 before a stunning collapse, sparked by Yuzvendra Chahal’s magical 4/28, saw them bundled out for 95 in 15.1 overs. Rahane’s LBW dismissal to Chahal’s googly — which he didn’t review — turned out to be the game-changing moment.
Replays later showed the ball would have missed the stumps, making the decision not to review a costly one.
💬 Rahane Takes Full Responsibility
Speaking after the match, Rahane admitted:
“Pretty disappointed with the effort… I’ll take the blame. I played the wrong shot.”
He elaborated that his decision not to review the LBW call came after a brief chat with Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who wasn’t sure either. “Didn’t want to take a chance,” Rahane added.
🔁 From Cruise to Collapse
After Rahane’s dismissal:
- KKR lost 5 wickets for just 17 runs, crumbling under pressure.
- Andre Russell briefly revived hopes with two sixes and a four but was eventually bowled by Marco Jansen.
- PBKS completed the historic win by defending the lowest total (111) in IPL history, triggering euphoric celebrations at Mullanpur.
🤝 Rahane-Iyer Moment Highlights IPL Sportsmanship
The Mumbai teammates’ brief yet heartfelt handshake and hug highlighted the sportsmanship and emotional layers of the IPL. While Rahane showed self-deprecating honesty, Iyer — leading PBKS — looked equally respectful in victory.
Fans took to social media to praise Rahane’s maturity:
“Class act from Rahane. No ego, just honesty.”
“This is why we respect him so much, even in defeat.”
🧠 Looking Ahead: Rahane’s Message to Team
“Still have to be positive. Half the tournament is remaining. We need to regroup, reflect, and move forward,” Rahane concluded.
KKR will now look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures, while Punjab Kings continue their surge into the top four of the IPL 2025 table.
Tags: Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2025, Yuzvendra Chahal, PBKS win, IPL lowest total defended, Rahane Iyer moment, KKR collapse, IPL viral moments