When Delhi Capitals faced Lucknow Super Giants earlier in this IPL 2025 season in Vizag, KL Rahul wasn’t in the playing XI. But fate had its own script for his return to Lucknow where he delivered a poised and impactful innings to lead Delhi to victory. On a night charged with subtext, Rahul’s bat did the talking but it was what happened after the match that truly captured attention across social media.
Back in familiar territory, Rahul played with clarity and control. Using his knowledge of the conditions where he spent the last three seasons, he anchored Delhi’s chase of 160 runs with an unbeaten 57 off 42 deliveries. The innings wasn’t just another half-century — it also saw him become the fastest batter to reach the 5000-run mark in the history of the IPL, surpassing a record previously held by David Warner.
Yet, beyond the runs and milestones, all eyes turned to a brief post-match exchange — or rather, the lack of one. As the LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka came down to the field to greet Rahul, what could have been a moment of reconciliation quickly turned cold.
While Sanjiv Goenka extended his hand and offered words of praise, Rahul acknowledged the gesture with a handshake but avoided conversation. The encounter ended just as quickly as it began, with Rahul walking away without engaging further. The same response followed when Sanjiv Goenka’s son Shashwat tried to connect with the former LSG captain. Rahul’s message was clear, even in silence.
Here are the videos:
https://x.com/Jonathan_fcc/status/1914874462131954023
https://x.com/mvipink/status/1914847477624397913
The relationship between Rahul and LSG had soured after a disappointing 2023 season, which culminated in his release ahead of the 2024 mega auction. Sanjiv Goenka had since emphasised a shift in team philosophy, stressing the importance of unity and prioritising collective success over individual ambition.
Without directly naming anyone, Sanjiv Goenka had previously stated that the team was looking to build around players who put the squad first. In a separate interview, Rahul had responded with equal subtlety, expressing a desire to play in an environment where there was room to breathe and where the pressures of the league were balanced by a lighter, more supportive atmosphere.
This win in Lucknow marked Delhi’s sixth in eight games this season, a feat only they’ve achieved five times in the IPL history. Each of those instances saw them reach the playoffs. The Capitals have shown consistency, opening the season with four straight wins, briefly slipping, then bouncing back with key victories — including this symbolic triumph over Lucknow. They currently sit second on the table, only trailing Gujarat Titans due to net run rate.
With momentum behind them, Delhi Capitals now prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru at home on April 27. But for Rahul, the game in Lucknow may already be the emotional high point of his season — an evening where numbers mattered, but so did the silence.
