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In a surprising yet light-hearted post-match moment, Delhi Capitals spinner Kuldeep Yadav became the center of attention after playfully slapping Kolkata Knight Riders batter Rinku Singh — not once, but twice — following a thrilling IPL 2025 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 29. The bizarre exchange came after KKR’s vital 14-run win over DC in a must-win encounter that kept their playoff hopes alive. While Rinku looked visibly puzzled, the duo — long-time friends and India teammates — laughed it off moments later, making it clear the interaction was all in good fun. But the internet wasn’t ready to let it slide without turning the clip into a viral sensation.
Fans response to Kuldeep Yadav’s playful gesture to Rinku Singh
It was a blink-and-you-miss-it moment that lit up social media. As players from both sides shook hands after a tense, high-octane encounter, Kuldeep approached Rinku and landed two mock slaps on his face. Rinku, slightly taken aback, wore a look of confusion before bursting into laughter — a response that only added fuel to the meme fire.
The duo’s camaraderie is well-known, both having been part of various Team India camps and sharing dressing rooms over the years. Still, fans were left guessing what prompted the playful aggression. Some joked that Kuldeep was “waking up the real Rinku” after his long slump in form, while others speculated it was a cheeky response to Rinku’s missed chance at sealing the game earlier. Regardless of the intent, it gave fans a rare, candid glimpse of friendship in a high-stakes tournament, where pressure often overshadows personality.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Kuldeep tried to end the career of Rinku Singh by slapping him 😭😭😭
— AntiBazballian ™ 🏏 (@rs_3702)
OMG: Kuldeep yadav slaps rinku singh
Do you rember Srishant
— Indian Observer (@ag_Journalist)
Even if this is some sort of a joke, it is not funny. Shows lack of respect a player has for another player.
Kuldeep Yadav Slaps Rinku Singh Twice#.full Masti
— mohdshakib (@Sakib9350)
Why did rinku singh not slap back kuldeep yadav? Siraj always kept this crybaby in check
— Vāsava (@kolarriver)
Slap incident happened again in IPL, Kuldeep Yadav slapped Rinku Singh twice, watch the video..😲
— Over and out (@Over_and_out1)
Kuldeep Yadav ne Rinku Singh ko majak me maara hai
Ya phir heat of moment me lag gaya
— Random Boy (@Random_Dpk)
Even if this is some sort of a joke, it is not funny. Shows lack of respect a player has for another player. Kuldeep Yadav Slaps Rinku Singh Twice.
— Ankit Trivedi (@MASTERJI108)
Shocking Kuldeep Yadav Slaps Rinku Singh After IPL 2025 Clash
— Buzz Boy (@comedy_cove123)
Rinku Singh Ko Kyo Pella Kuldeep Bhai.
— Gurtej Singh (@GGurtej)
Slap-Kalesh (Kuldeep Yadav slapped Rinku Singh twice)
— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh)
Rinku’s redemption gets KKR on track to a playoff push
Rinku, who has been struggling for consistency this season, finally showed signs of form, scoring a valuable 36 off 25 balls before falling to DC’s rising leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam. Though his knock didn’t anchor the innings, it came at a crucial stage, providing KKR with the late push to post a strong 204-run total.
The match turned dramatically in KKR’s favour during Sunil Narine’s masterclass in the 14th over, where he dismissed Axar Patel and Tristan Stubbs in quick succession. That spell turned the tide, choking Delhi’s chase just when they looked poised to strike.
With this win, KKR climbed to 9 points from 10 games, keeping their playoff dreams alive. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals still sit in a strong position with 12 points but face stiff competition from Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings in the race to the top four.
