Rahul Dravid's Sportsperson's Gesture Wins Hearts Following IPL 2025 Match

In a beautiful display of humility and sportsmanship, Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid won the admiration of people across the world for his gentlemanly act following his team's IPL 2025 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Though on crutches, Dravid walked up to the middle of the ground to be part of the traditional post-match handshake. This little but meaningful act drew the attention of many, more so when Virat Kohli, RCB's star player, asked Dravid not to walk towards the players, but that the players would instead go to him. Dravid still decently refused the request and went on with his walk to approach the players. Later, some RCB players approached him for the handshake, which provided an added dose of respect and admiration by fans.

The game itself was a thrilling match that witnessed Royal Challengers Bengaluru overpowering the Rajasthan Royals, with RCB emerging victorious by a nine-wicket difference. RCB's choice of bowling first on a difficult wicket with low bounce proved to be the correct one. Rajasthan Royals were able to score 173/4, primarily due to a good knock by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who played a smooth 75 runs off 47 deliveries. Still, the Royals' score of 173 was never going to be an easy chase on this tricky pitch.

RCB's run-chase was spearheaded by Phil Salt, who had an aggressive innings, making 65 runs off 33 deliveries. Salt's fiery style placed the Rajasthan Royals' bowlers in a spot of pressure right from the beginning. His innings consisted of six sixes and five fours, and he was responsible for taking the target required to a manageable figure in the early overs. His partner in crime was Virat Kohli, who contributed an unbeaten 62 off 45 balls. Kohli’s calm approach helped RCB chase down the target comfortably in just 17.3 overs.

Salt’s aggressive batting was a highlight of the match. From the first over, he signaled his intent with a top-edged six off Jofra Archer’s bowling. His big-hitting innings came in just 28 balls to achieve his second fifty of the season, and he was instrumental in bringing the chase down to under 100 runs by the eighth over. In spite of a couple of lucky moments, such as a difficult dropped catch and a misfield, Salt did not waver and kept scoring runs.

Kohli, however, played a more defensive role. He started slowly but then got into his groove. His early life when an opportunity was left on his bat did not deter him, and he found his place as the anchor of RCB. Kohli and Salt had a good opening stand, scoring 92 runs for the first wicket. The 65 runs from this stand were scored during the powerplay, which was a turning point, and it gave RCB a huge boost.

Salt's removal for 65 left RCB requiring only 82 runs from 68 balls, which was more than what the experienced Kohli could not handle. He controlled his innings nicely, accumulating singles and boundaries at periodic intervals. Kohli scored his 100th T20 fifty in this innings, bringing up his 100th fifty in style with a six over the bowler's head. His consistent batting and strike rotation capability made the chase look easy.

The game saw its share of thrilling moments. Jaiswal, for Rajasthan Royals, was among the very few players who were able to play the conditions to their advantage. He contributed a crucial 75, with ten fours and two sixes. He had the game under his control for a period, playing the difficult pitch with incredible skill. His alliance with Riyan Parag (30 off 18 balls) was another critical phase of the game. Parag, though, was unable to cash in on a life he got at 13. Rajasthan Royals kept losing wickets at regular intervals, and major contributors like Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel were not able to make much of an impact.

Samson, in general, was losing his timing and was left with his face in the dust after getting stumped off a Krunal Pandya delivery. Jaiswal, who had been playing a great knock, was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood in the same over when he attempted a sweep off a delivery, only to be struck in front of the stumps. Jurel attempted a resurrection of the innings with a 35* off 23 balls, but the chase could never be expected to be straightforward after the top order of Royals collapsed.

RCB’s win was their fourth of the season, and it came with an all-around effort from the team. While Salt’s explosive start laid the foundation, Kohli’s composed finish ensured there were no hiccups in the chase. This victory demonstrated RCB’s depth and their ability to perform under pressure, with players stepping up when needed.

The pick of the game, though, was Dravid's exhibition of humility, which proved to the world that sportsmanship and respect for the game are above everything else. His act of walking up to the players in spite of his injury melted hearts of fans and reminded everyone why he is considered one of the best gentlemen in the cricketing world.