The 27-year-old Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was seen nailing the iconic Pushpa celebration after picking wickets in the ongoing 11th match of the IPL 2025 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
The match between the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings is currently underway on Sunday, March 30, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
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Wanindu Hasaranga removes Rahul Tripathi
Wanindu Hasaranga has received a lot of backing from the Rajasthan Royals team management since joining the team. He has been promoted to bat above Shimron Hetmyer but he has failed to repay the faith of the management.
With the ball also, he has not looked very threatening, but he provided a massive breakthrough for his team by dismissing Rahul Tripathi in the match against CSK.
On the first ball of the 8th over, Wanindu Hasaranga bowled a shortish delivery to Rahul Tripathi on off-stump. Tripathi looked to pull it away, but the lack of pace meant that he played it towards the deep mid-wicket where Shimron Hetmyer took a sharp catch.
Wanindu Hasaranga was delighted after dismissing Rahul Tripathi for 19-ball 23, and he was seen doing a celebration inspired by the movie, ‘Pushpa: The Rise.’ He did the gesture which was made popular by Allu Arjun’s Pushpa Raj character. Notably, Hasaranga did the same celebration two more times after dismissing Shivam Dube and Vijay Shankar.
Watch: Wanindu Hasaranga hits iconic ‘Pushpa’ celebration
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) March 30, 2025
Nitish Rana shines for Rajasthan Royals
Rana batted wonderfully in the first innings for Rajasthan Royals and helped them post a competitive total of 182/9 on the board. He smashed 81 runs off 36 balls, with 10 fours and 5 sixes.
Speaking ahead of the match, Nitish Rana said that the atmosphere at Rajasthan Royals has exceeded his expectations. He said:
“I think at the end of the day you need to play good cricket in whichever franchise you play for. The atmosphere is way better than I expected. Everyone is very relaxed. Though the results have not gone in our favour but everyone is positive in the dressing room. I think at the end of the day, that’s what matters for us.”
Nitish Rana further emphasised on performing well in all three departments in T20 cricket and said that he plays a leadership for Rajasthan Royals. He elaborated:
“First of all, communication is most important for us. Different venues have different conditions. We will try to adapt as quickly as we can and it will benefit us. I always believe that, in T20s you need to be on top in all three departments. Hopefully we do the same tonight and get two points in our bag.
“I think wherever I play, the leadership role is always there. Things might go against you sometimes and I have learned that being a captain. If things go well, people will appreciate you otherwise they will point at you. I think things change if the result goes in your favour.”
