IPL 2026 Trade Window: Delhi Capitals (DC) star KL Rahul has opened up about his memorable ‘Kantara celebration’ during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, a gesture that continues to make waves as the IPL 2026 trade window approaches. The batter revealed that the celebration was more than just on-field flair, it was his way of making a statement amid speculation about a possible return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Rahul, 33, who scored an unbeaten 93 off 53 balls against RCB at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 10, mimicked the iconic ‘Kantara’ celebration after his match-winning knock. “It wasn’t planned,” Rahul told the YouTube channel 2 Sloggers. “There was a lot happening off the field, and I felt I needed to make a statement. Bengaluru is my home ground, where my cricket journey began, and I wanted to show that.”
The Delhi Capitals batter also ranked his most memorable IPL and international on-field celebrations during the interview. Surprisingly, his viral ‘Kantara’ gesture was not at the top. His favorite remained his calm century celebration against Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup, where he scored 111* off 106 balls after returning from surgery. Other notable celebrations included the ‘shut the noise’ gesture at No. 3, his two-finger salute from the West Indies Test series at No. 4, and the classic ‘dab’ at No. 5.
The IPL 2025 season saw Rahul shine with the bat, finishing with 539 runs at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72, including three half-centuries and a century. Despite his efforts, Delhi Capitals missed out on the playoffs, while RCB claimed their maiden IPL title with a thrilling win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final.
Rahul’s comments come at a time when the IPL 2026 trade window is just around the corner. With RCB previously withdrawing from the auction at Rs 10.50 crore and Delhi Capitals securing him for Rs 14 crore, speculation about his future in Bengaluru is bound to intensify. “The off-field chatter got to me, and I wanted to make it clear where I stand,” Rahul added.
Although Rahul is currently not part of India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Australia starting October 29, he is expected to return for the two-match home Test series against South Africa beginning November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. His availability and form will be key talking points for franchises in the IPL 2026 trade window.
As the buzz around the IPL 2026 auction and trade deals grows, KL Rahul’s connection with both Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru is likely to remain a hot topic among fans and franchises alike. His ‘Kantara celebration’ may have been just a moment on the field, but in the world of IPL trade rumors, it has become a statement that could shape the next season.
