A video capturing Kuldeep candidly slapping Rinku twice during post-match interactions after the DC vs KKR match at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in New Delhi went viral on social media. The act resulted in outrage among fans.
Kolkata Knight Riders issued a clarification by sharing a fresh video on their official social media handles
On Wednesday, KKR posted a video with a witty caption to silence all the reports that indicated a rift between KKR’s Rinku Singh and Delhi Capitals spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Following the viral video that showed Kuldeep slapping Rinku twice after KKR’s 14-run victory over DC, a debate was ignited on social media.
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Addressing the incident, KKR posted a fresh video of Kuldeep and Rinku with the caption,
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“Media () vs ( ) Reality! feat. our talented UP boys.”
The video by KKR showcased the friendly interactions between the two players.
Media () vs ( ) Reality!
feat. our talented UP boys pic.twitter.com/2fY749CSXf
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 30, 2025
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Here is how netizens reacted to KKR’s clarification
Bhai mazak aur arrogance ke beech ka diff hamein pata hai…ye damage control wali post daalne ki koyi jarurat nahi hai …aise bhi Kuldeep ne KKR chodne ke baad kaafi sympathy khayi hai
— Yogesh Tambe (@crazyyog) April 30, 2025
Kal jada hogya tha majak majak me
— कट्टर KKR समर्थक ™ (@KKRWeRule) April 30, 2025
Nice try to cover up, but Kuldeep should be banned
— Men’s Cricket (@MensCricket) April 30, 2025
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Tu cover up krta reh, apne player ke self respect ke liye aawaz nhi utha skta toh yun kayaar ki tarah baat ghumaane aagya.
— ƬЯIDΣПƬ (@terrraform) April 30, 2025
Ideally the damage control should have been from @DelhiCapitals but KKR has done a good job here!
— Vivek Tanna (@vivektanna2) April 30, 2025
Rinku’s expression change in the viral video from the second slap raised speculations
In the latest viral clip, Kuldeep, Rinku, and a few other players can be seen laughing and chatting near the boundary. To everyone’s surprise, Kuldeep delivers a light slap to Rinku’s cheek, which initially seems to be playful. Rinku’s expression shows that he is visibly surprised, pauses briefly before Kuldeep slaps him again.
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Rinku’s expression after the second slap changes from fun to discomfort, instigating a tense exchange between the two Uttar Pradesh locals, who share a well-documented friendship from their domestic cricket days. As the video lacks audio, the exact context is unclear, but Rinku’s reaction led to speculation.
Here is the video of Kuldeep slapping Rinku
Even if this is some sort of a joke, it is not funny. Shows lack of respect a player has for another player.
Kuldeep Yadav Slaps Rinku Singh Twice. pic.twitter.com/4rKie2AjIn
— Sanket Upadhyay (@sanket) April 30, 2025
Some fans dismissed the incident as friendly banter, while others found it disrespectful. Here is how they reacted
The whole incident was not well received by netizens, as some of them slammed Kuldeep and called for action from the BCCI.
Even if this is some sort of a joke, it is not funny. Shows lack of respect a player has for another player.
Kuldeep Yadav Slaps Rinku Singh Twice. pic.twitter.com/4rKie2AjIn
— Sanket Upadhyay (@sanket) April 30, 2025
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Poor Rinku. Feeling insulted.
Felt like fun banter while watching live, but seeing Rinku’s expressions now… I actually feel bad for him.#KuldeepYadav | #IPL2025 | #RinkuSingh | #DCvsKKR pic.twitter.com/IlL4cGfAuT— Yash Tiwari (@DrYashTiwari) April 30, 2025
Insult to kari hai par.
— Yash Tiwari (@DrYashTiwari) April 30, 2025
On the field, KKR put up a competitive total of 204/9, thanks to a solid 44 from Angkrish Raghuvanshi and a vital 36 off 25 balls by Rinku Singh. In response, Sunil Narine’s 3/29, backed by Varun Chakravarthy’s tight spell, helped KKR hold off DC at 190/9, despite strong efforts from Faf du Plessis (62) and Axar Patel (43).
The win gave KKR a much-needed boost, taking them to nine points and keeping their playoff hopes alive, even though they remained seventh on the table. DC, on the other hand, held on to their place in the top four with 12 points.
What do you think about Kuldeep slapping Rinku? Let us know in the comments.
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