KL Rahul's Viral Moment: The Awkward Handshake With Sanjiv Goenka That Has IPL Fans Talking

KL Rahul's awkward handshake with Sanjiv Goenka after a match-winning knock for Delhi Capitals against his former team, Lucknow Super Giants, ignited viral controversy, highlighting tensions from his IPL exit.

In a night brimming with emotion and subtext, KL Rahul scripted not just a match-winning knock but a moment that has since become the talk of the IPL 2025 season. Playing against his former franchise, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), for the first time since parting ways, Rahul’s restrained post-match interaction with team owner Sanjiv Goenka has sparked a social media frenzy and renewed interest in the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the league.

#LSGvsDC | #KLRahulpic.twitter.com/L1PeKiKKZW

— Indian Cricket Team (@incricketteam) April 22, 2025

KL Rahul’s Cold Handshake Goes Viral: What Really Happened?

The highly-anticipated clash between Delhi Capitals (DC) and LSG at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium was already a headline-grabber, but what transpired post-match took center stage. After guiding DC to a commanding eight-wicket victory with a composed 57 off 44 balls*, Rahul walked over to exchange handshakes. However, what was expected to be a warm reunion turned into an icy moment.

As Sanjiv Goenka extended his hand and appeared to initiate a conversation, Rahul barely made eye contact, offering a hurried, perfunctory handshake before walking away. With Goenka's son standing beside him, the video captured the awkwardness in full display. The moment exploded online, with India batter Hanuma Vihari cryptically posting “Cold hand-shake” — fanning further speculation.

The Backstory: From Captaincy Clashes to Freedom with DC

To fully grasp the weight of the moment, one must rewind to IPL 2024, when a viral video showed Goenka animatedly confronting Rahul after LSG’s crushing defeat to SunRisers Hyderabad. The exchange, which many felt should have remained private, seemingly marked the beginning of the end.

Rahul’s departure from LSG ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction was officially attributed to his desire for “freedom” and a “relaxed dressing room.” But insiders had a different story — one of fractured trust, dressing room pressure, and differing cricketing philosophies.

Now, as Rahul dons the DC blue, he’s found not only form but also freedom. And nothing underscored that more than his knock against LSG — calm, clinical, and quietly defiant.

A Historic Milestone Amid the Drama

While the post-match handshake stole the headlines, Rahul’s innings itself was one for the history books. With his 57*, KL Rahul became the fastest batter to reach 5000 IPL runs, achieving the feat in just 130 innings — surpassing the likes of David Warner (135), Virat Kohli (157), AB de Villiers (161), and Shikhar Dhawan (168).

His achievement adds another glittering feather to an already illustrious IPL career, affirming his legacy among the tournament’s elite.

Goenka Responds: “KL Rahul Will Always Be Family”

Amid the social media storm, Sanjiv Goenka broke his silence during an appearance on the TRS podcast. “KL Rahul has always been family and will remain that way. He is a shareef insaan (a good person) and a very honest player,” said Goenka. His comments, while conciliatory, did little to cool the buzz around the frosty exchange.

Goenka emphasized his admiration for Rahul's leadership during his three-year stint as LSG captain and expressed hope for his continued success — sentiments that suggest respect remains, even if the professional paths have diverged.

Expert Analysis: Rahul’s Bat Does the Talking

In the high-stakes world of IPL cricket, emotions often simmer beneath the surface. Tuesday night’s encounter wasn’t just a game — it was a narrative-driven showdown filled with layered subtext. Rahul didn’t need words. His bat delivered the message: focused, unwavering, and subtly assertive.

His match-winning performance, combined with a stoic off-field demeanor, displayed a mental toughness that bodes well for DC’s playoff ambitions. More importantly, it reaffirmed Rahul’s stature as one of IPL’s most bankable stars — with both the stats and the storytelling power to dominate headlines.