NEW DELHI: A thrilling one-wicket victory for Delhi Capitals over Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL 2025 opener led to a moment of pure cricket camaraderie that has fans smiling. Former teammates and current India internationals—DC skipper Axar Patel, spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and LSG captain Rishabh Pant—shared a lighthearted exchange that perfectly captured the spirit of friendship transcending team rivalries.
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The banter centered around Kuldeep Yadav’s unexpected boundary during DC’s nail-biting 210-run chase at Visakhapatnam. Despite batting at No. 9 and scoring just five runs off five balls, Kuldeep’s contribution proved crucial as he partnered with match-winner Ashutosh Sharma for a vital 21-run ninth-wicket stand.
Pant initiated the friendly teasing with a classic quip: “Single le raha tha, chauka maar gaya” (He was taking a single and hit a four instead), referring to Kuldeep’s boundary off Prince Yadav in the penultimate over that significantly eased the pressure on Delhi.
Kuldeep’s defense came with an innocent explanation: “Mera kaam tha single lena” (My job was to take a single), before adding, “The bowler gave the ball in the slot.”
This prompted simultaneous laughter from both Pant and Axar, who responded in perfect unison: “He knows only one shot. That’s what I am saying, he knows only one shot.” The trio’s eruption of laughter showcased their deep bond despite now representing opposing franchises in the IPL.
The on-field heroics that preceded this moment were equally memorable. Delhi Capitals had suffered an early collapse, finding themselves in deep trouble at 7/3. However, a magnificent unbeaten 66 from Ashutosh Sharma, supported by valuable contributions from new captain Axar Patel (22) and Tristan Stubbs (34), guided them to an improbable victory with just three balls remaining.
For Kuldeep, who has often been known more for his wrist spin than his batting prowess, the boundary might have been unexpected, but it proved to be a pivotal moment in a match that swung dramatically until the very end.
The camaraderie displayed between these Indian teammates highlights the unique aspect of the IPL, where national teammates compete against each other but maintain their friendships off the field—a testament to the special bond shared by India’s cricketing fraternity.
Delhi Capitals will look to build on this momentum as their IPL 2025 campaign progresses, while Lucknow Super Giants and captain Pant will aim to bounce back from this narrow defeat in their upcoming fixtures.