IPL 2025: 'The celebration showed how much this knock meant to him', says Boucher on KL's knock

IANS April 11, 2025 281 views

KL Rahul delivered a remarkable performance in the IPL match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scoring an unbeaten 93 under immense pressure. His innings was a masterclass in batting, rescuing Delhi Capitals from a dire early situation and ultimately leading them to victory. Mark Boucher praised Rahul's exceptional skill and emotional connection to the game, highlighting the significance of his knock. The performance was particularly poignant given Rahul's connection to Bengaluru and his previous association with RCB.

"He played a masterclass... the celebration showed how much this knock meant to him" - Mark Boucher
Bengaluru, April 11: Former South African cricketer Mark Boucher was all praise for KL Rahul's composed and match-winning knock against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, calling it a true masterclass.

Key Points

1

Rahul's brilliant 93 rescued DC from 10-2 early collapse

2

Smashed six sixes and seven fours in crucial innings

3

Shared 111-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs

4

Emotional performance at his home ground Bengaluru

Boucher said Rahul looked in sublime touch and even rated this innings higher than his impressive 77 against Chennai Super Kings in DC's last game.

Rahul, who came on to bat when DC were reeling at 10-2 in 2.1 overs of their chase, compiled a brilliant unbeaten 93, scoring his second successive half-century as DC chased a target of 164.

When DC slumped to 58/4, Rahul blasted six maximums and seven fours in his 53-ball knock and shared a 111-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs (38 not out) to help his side register their fourth win in four matches.

"That was a tricky chase--there was nothing easy about that win. At one point, Royal Challengers Bengaluru were right back in the game. It felt like the total might be a few runs short, but then they picked up early wickets. KL Rahul came in under serious pressure with wickets falling around him and a high run rate to chase.

"He played a masterclass in Chennai the other night, but this innings was even better, especially in these conditions. He's looking in great form, and the celebration at the end showed how much this knock meant to him," said Boucher on JioHotstar.

Former India pacer Varun Aaron added further perspective on KL Rahul's emotional connect with Bengaluru and the fire that fuelled his performance and said, "This is his home ground--it means a lot to him. He's from Bengaluru, born and brought up here. He's been moved around the batting order a lot, but something clearly fired him up tonight to take this win home.

"Maybe it's the fact that Royal Challengers Bengaluru didn't retain him. I know he loved playing for them. Now, playing for Delhi, he's showing the RCB and Bengaluru fans that this is still his stadium--his arena."

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a knock by KL! 🔥 That celebration was everything - you could see how much it meant to him. Boucher's right, this was even better than his Chennai innings. The way he handled pressure was next level!
P
Priya M.
As a Bengaluru native, I have mixed feelings seeing KL destroy RCB like this 😅 But you can't deny his talent. That partnership with Stubbs was clinical. Maybe RCB should've kept him!
A
Amit S.
While KL played brilliantly, I think the article overstates the "revenge" angle. Players get traded all the time - it's just business. His performance stands on its own without needing that narrative.
S
Sanjana R.
That 111-run partnership was the game changer! KL's sixes were timed so perfectly 💯 Boucher's analysis was spot on - the conditions weren't easy and he made it look effortless.
V
Vikram J.
KL proving why he's one of the most consistent Indian batsmen in IPL history. 4 wins in 4 matches for DC - they're looking like serious contenders this season!

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Tags:
IPL 2025 KL Rahul Delhi Capitals Mark Boucher Royal Challengers Bengaluru Cricket
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