The Kolkata Knight Riders took on the Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens in what promised to be a competitive clash. Winning the toss, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane opted to bat first on a typically batting-friendly surface.
However, the start was far from ideal as opener Sunil Narine fell early to a sharp delivery from Yudhvir Singh. Despite the early setback, Rahane and Rahmanullah Gurbaz managed to rebuild, taking the team to 56/1 by the end of the powerplay with steady scoring and smart strike rotation.
Just as Gurbaz began to find his rhythm, Maheesh Theekshana struck, removing him for 35 and breaking the budding partnership. Rahane, anchoring the innings, was then joined by young Angkrish Raghuvanshi.
The pair kept the scoreboard ticking with well-timed boundaries and quick singles, ensuring KKR didn’t lose momentum after the second wicket. Their balanced approach set a strong platform for a competitive total as they approached the halfway mark of the innings.
One of the standout moments came in the 10th over, not just for the shot but for the sportsmanship that followed. Facing Wanindu Hasaranga, Raghuvanshi got down on one knee and elegantly swept a tossed-up delivery toward deep backward square leg. The shot looked destined for four, but Yudhvir Singh gave it everything, sprinting across the boundary and launching into a full-length dive in an attempt to save the run.
Despite the tremendous effort, Yudhvir was unable to keep the ball in play, deflecting it into the boundary. What followed was a heartwarming gesture — Rajasthan Royals’ Shimron Hetmyer walked up to the young pacer and gently patted him on the head, acknowledging the commitment and athleticism he had shown. It was a small but meaningful moment that reflected the spirit of the game.
— ricky (@ricky5959046277) May 4, 2025
The incident quickly resonated with fans across social media, with many applauding Hetmyer’s sportsmanship and encouragement toward a younger teammate. On a day dominated by intense competition and pressure, that simple act stood out, reminding everyone that beyond the runs and wickets, cricket remains a gentleman’s game. It was a gesture that brought smiles to fans and added a touch of grace to the high-octane match.