IPL 2025: Fans melt over Virat Kohli's kneeling hug with Rahul Dravid ahead of RR vs RCB clash
Currently the head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR), Rahul Dravid is recovering from a leg injury he sustained during a Karnataka State Cricket Association League match. His team will be facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 13.
On the eve of the much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), fans were treated to a truly heartwarming off-field moment featuring two of Indian cricket's most respected figures ¡ª Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid.
Currently the head coach of Rajasthan Royals, Rahul Dravid is recovering from a leg injury he sustained during a Karnataka State Cricket Association League match. Despite being in a wheelchair with a cast on his left leg, Dravid has stayed actively involved in coaching and supporting his team throughout the tournament.
? Wall ? King ?
¡ª Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) April 12, 2025
A Royal meet-up indeed. ? pic.twitter.com/Ei2jwX8ahz
Heartfelt hug
The heartwarming moment unfolded at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday (April 12) ahead of the IPL 2025 clash. Virat Kohli, spotting Rahul Dravid from afar, made his way over, knelt down beside the RR head coach, and pulled him in for a warm, heartfelt hug. Both franchises were quick to capture and share the scene on their social media handles.
The brief interaction was filled with smiles, laughter, and an unmistakable sense of nostalgia, quickly drawing attention from those nearby. Rajasthan Royals posted the clip with a caption that perfectly summed up the sentiment: "Whether you're a young one or number 18, pehle toh Rahul bhai se hi milna hai."
Whether you¡¯re a young one or number 18, pehle toh Rahul bhai se hi milna hai ?? pic.twitter.com/sfXARNYM4u
¡ª Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 12, 2025
Sanju Samson, RR's captain, soon joined in, exchanging high-fives with Kohli and laughing along. Dravid, seated in his wheelchair with a cast on his leg, playfully placed a hand on his face, smiling wide as he watched the lighthearted moment between the two cricketers.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru called it a "nostalgic Team India reunion," as the video also featured Kohli catching up with Vikram Rathour, RR's batting coach and another familiar face from his days with the national side.
RR vs RCB
RCB openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt will have to contend with the express pace of Jofra Archer when Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru face off on Sunday.
Both teams head into the match eager to recover from recent defeats ¡ª RCB having fallen to Delhi Capitals, and RR suffering a loss against Gujarat Titans.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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