IPL 2025: “Slap or just Bants?” Kuldeep & Rinku’s viral moment turns into bromance celebration

A post-match moment between Delhi Capitals spinner Kuldeep Yadav and Kolkata Knight Riders batter Rinku Singh sparked wild speculations online when a video appeared to show Kuldeep slapping Rinku—not once, but twice—after KKR’s nail-biting 14-run win over Delhi Capitals. The short clip, shot during the post-match handshakes, quickly went viral, triggering rumours of fallout between the two cricketers, both hailing from Uttar Pradesh.

KKR Breaks Silence: “Gehri Dosti” Not a Rift

However, any whispers of bad blood were swiftly shut down when Kolkata Knight Riders' official Instagram handle posted a wholesome behind-the-scenes video, clearing the air. The video showed the two players with their arms around each other, laughing and goofing around as they recreated the viral moment in a playful tone.

Captioned, “Media (sansani) vs (doston ke beech ka) Reality! Gehri dosti feat. our talented UP boys”, the post painted a completely different picture—one of friendship, not feud. Set to the iconic ‘Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge’ from Sholay, the video transitioned into nostalgic throwbacks of the duo’s shared journey in cricket, leaving fans smiling.

Just saw this video. Even if it's fun or banter, it's not an acceptable behaviour. Don't forget that it's a workplace. And this kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable at a workplace.
I request @BCCI @IPL to take action against Kuldeep Yadav.pic.twitter.com/JwfOorBaRl

— Kit (@keiyi_) April 29, 2025

Only pyaar 🫰🫂 pic.twitter.com/bePBy6Y54E

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 30, 2025

DC Joins the Fun: “Only Pyaar”

Not wanting to be left behind, Delhi Capitals also posted a light-hearted video on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption “Only pyaar,” further confirming there was no tension—just harmless fun between close friends.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Playoffs scenarios explained for all 10 teams

Fan Reactions: Love, Laughs… and a Bit of Doubt

Fans flooded the comments with appreciation, calling the bond “Bhaichara on top” and “Brotherhood above all.” Still, a few skeptics weren’t convinced. “Nice cover-up... we all saw Rinku’s reaction,” one user noted, suggesting the moment may not have been as playful as portrayed.

Rinku’s Match Impact: More Than Just Drama

Beyond the viral moment, Rinku Singh played a crucial role in KKR’s win, smashing 36 off 25 balls with three boundaries and a six, helping the team post a formidable 204/9. His contributions were vital in setting up a total that ultimately secured a narrow but important victory over DC.