Image: Kuldeep Yadav's slaps on Rinku Singh triggered social media outrage / © News18 Hindi
With what is now being dubbed “Slapgate 2.0”, Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav sparked controversy by slapping teammate Rinku Singh twice during a live post-match interaction after the IPL 2025 clash between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. The incident, which evoked memories of Harbhajan Singh’s infamous 2008 altercation with Sreesanth, quickly went viral on social media. While the first slap appeared playful, the second made Rinku visibly uncomfortable, prompting backlash from fans and speculation over potential BCCI action.
Despite the drama, both players are close friends and remain in contention for India’s T20 World Cup squad in 2026 and on the field, Rinku Singh continued his modest form, scoring 36 off 25 balls with a strike rate of 144. He has amassed 169 runs in 10 matches this season at an average of 33.80 but is yet to score a fifty, with his highest being an unbeaten 38.
In the same match, KKR posted 204/9, powered by Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s 44 and Rinku’s 36. DC replied with 190/9, falling short by 14 runs despite Faf du Plessis’ 62. Kuldeep had a quiet outing, conceding 27 runs in three overs without a wicket. The win boosted KKR’s playoff hopes, while Delhi suffered a second straight defeat.