Not just a run-making moment on KL Rahul’s part, the explosive six in match-winning manner against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) was also a message. The sudden outbreak of aggressive post-match celebrations after captaining LSG captain, chest-thumping and wide-ground-pointing has raised quizzical questions on intensity of feud and emotional burnout both culminating in Bangalore — His former “home” ground, metropolis.
Not content with his victory, Rahul still had not calmed down after finish the match off with an audacious six. He swung his hands around wildly above the ground and laid heavy thuds on the one on chest. After… yells out towards the ground with a gesture widely assumed as a red alert by the crowd of Bengaluru, perhaps even to his previous franchise self.
The importance of Rahul’s celebration was heightened in context of the match. Having played in Bengaluru against RCB, where he had taken a captaincy few months ago added layers to this emotional climax. What was a source for the home-ground advantage, to uplift Rahul in scoring runs where he needed it most turned into Rahul’s playground to prove a little point.
The fans and experts have reacted differently. Some have rooted for Rahul’s passion and competitiveness, finding his celebration too elaborate in a high-stakes match but here (for example) is what I meant. Others gauged his intensity as unacceptable to Indians, & home crowd in particular, & franchise he played.
The LSG win was itself a tight contest, just adding to the charged atmosphere. The match ended in a high level of rivalry, with both sides fighting it out against each other the entire game and unrelenting spirit between the teams.
Tension finally reached its crescendo when Rahul won the match with his performance and the following party, from that we know the crowds
This is the incident that has reignited the ongoing conversation about how much celebrating is too-stuff crazy. Cricket may be a gentleman’s game in more traditional formats like cricket but the grind of modern T20 has been relentless.
Rahul’s inclusion has definitely given an identity to the Now-Del Raj rivalry, already replete with highs as lows. Fans and news analysts around the world are now watching the match intently with anticipation in anticipation of the next match between these two teams, trying to decode Rahul’s unabashed victory celebration.
