IPL 2019: KL Rahul reveals friends are mocking him for Shah Rukh Khan-inspired celebration against RR

KL Rahul had a mixed start to this year’s Indian Premier League. The Kings XI Punjab opener, who had scored a staggering 659 runs in the last edition of the competition, managed just four in the first match of this season against Rajasthan Royals. He started brilliantly by hitting Dhawal Kulkarni for a four in the very first over of the game but departed in that very over.

Rahul, however, made amends for the poor batting display with a stunning effort on the field that more or less turned the course of the game in Punjab’s favour. Chasing 185, the Royals were comfortably placed on 148 for 2 in the 17th over with Steve Smith and Sanju Samson in the middle. This is when Smith tried to loft Sam Curran over extra cover. For a while, it looked like the former Australia skipper had managed to get a boundary before Rahul stunned one and all in the stadium.

He charged in from long off and made a stunning full-length dive to his left to pull off a blinder. It was followed by an interesting celebration as Rahul stood up and then extended both his arms while looking towards the crowd as if he was telling them he was the boss. The catch did turn the course of the game as it opened the floodgates. The Royals lost wickets in a heap and eventually ended on 170 for 9, thus losing their tournament opener by 14 runs.

Rahul has now revealed how his friends pulled his legs because of the celebration. The India star said that his pals are making fun of him by comparing his celebration with Shah Rukh Khan whose signature pose is extending the arms.

“Celebration, I just got stuck, I didn’t know what to do. Friends are making fun of me that what were you thinking, you’re Shah Rukh Khan or something?” Rahul told India Today.

No. 1 at Kings XI Punjab

He admitted that he was under the shadow of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers during his time at Royal Challengers Bangalore. Recalling the fond memories of last year, the right-hander said:

“2018 was magical for me as far as IPL is concerned. With a really good and balanced team, this year also should be good. At RCB I was under the shadow of Virat and AB de Villiers and here I am the number one and that has helped.”

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