Delhi Capitals' left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav remained wicketless for the second match in a row. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) slowed down after a terrific start in powerplay overs but still managed to post a total of 204/9 which turned out to be too much for DC in the end as they lost by 14 runs. After the match, the players of both teams were talking to each other when Kuldeep slapped Rinku Singh twice.
Kuldeep was having a light-hearted conversation with Rinku and others when he slapped the KKR batter. When he slapped him for the second time, Rinku's expressions changed and was seen having a serious conversation DC spinner. While this exchange was not that serious, it reminded many of Harbhajan Singh slapping Sreesanth in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Earlier, Kuldeep scored 36 runs from 25 balls including three fours and a six. He helped his side negate the Kuldeep threat in the middle overs. Kuldeep was introduced in the 11th over. Rinku scored a boundary in that over. Kuldeep followed it up with a one-run over. He took a beating in the 15th over. Rinku hit him for two furs and a six as the chinaman conceded 17 runs. Captain Axar Patel did not take the risk of bowling Kuldeep in the slog overs. He conceded 27 runs from three overs.
Kuldeep and Rinku's performance in IPL 2025
Kuldeep is DC's second-highest wicket-taker in the season. He has 12 wickets from 10 games at an average of 21.91. His economy rate of 6.74 runs per over stands out of the lot.
On the other hand, Rinku has scored 169 runs from eight innings at an average of 33.80. His strike rate is 145.68. The left-handed batter is yet to cross the 40-run mark in an innings this season.
Where do KKR and DC stand in playoffs race?
KKR are still in the hunt for the playoffs race. Every game is a must-win for them. The Ajinkya Rahane-led side will go up against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on May 4.
This was KKR's fourth win from 10 games. With nine points, they are placed seventh on the points table. Their net run rate (NRR) is positive as well. Despite the defeat, DC are placed fourth in the standings with six wins from 10 games. DC will now play Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) away from home on May 5.