A gripping, low-scoring encounter in the 32nd match of the Indian Premier League 2026 turned into a viral spectacle, thanks to Ravindra Jadeja’s cheeky on-field celebration. As Rajasthan Royals edged past Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium, it wasn’t just the result but Jadeja’s “in my pocket” gesture after dismissing Nicholas Pooran that captured fans’ imagination.
Ravindra Jadeja’s viral ‘Pocket Celebration’ lights up Ekana
The contest unfolded as a tense, slow-burning affair on a tricky surface that demanded patience and precision. Chasing a modest target of 160, Lucknow looked to their destructive middle-order batter Pooran to shift gears. However, Jadeja had other plans.
In the 10th over, Pooran attempted to break free by taking on Jadeja but ended up mistiming a slower delivery. The ball sailed towards long-off, where the catch was safely pouched, ending Pooran’s stay and effectively denting LSG’s chase.
What followed instantly went viral. Jadeja, known for his iconic sword celebration, introduced a new gesture—pointing towards Pooran and then tapping his trouser pocket, signaling that the batter was “in his pocket.” The moment added a psychological edge to the contest and quickly became one of the standout highlights of IPL 2026.
Here’s the video:
Rockstar player, rockstar performance 🎸🔥@imjadeja delivers an all-round masterclass to win his 1st player of the match award for Rajasthan Royals in #TATAIPL. 🩷#TATAIPL #LSGvRR pic.twitter.com/EeQtxbuTl3
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 22, 2026
A complete all-round show from Jadeja
Beyond the theatrics, Jadeja delivered a performance that underlined his value as a complete all-rounder. Walking in during a tricky phase in the first innings, he anchored Rajasthan’s innings with an unbeaten 43 off 29 deliveries, ensuring his side reached a competitive total of 159 on a challenging pitch.
With the ball, his spell proved decisive. The wicket of Pooran not only broke a crucial 43-run partnership but also shifted the momentum firmly in Rajasthan’s favor. Lucknow struggled to recover thereafter, eventually falling well short of the target. Jadeja’s impact on both fronts earned him the Player of the Match award, reaffirming his reputation as one of the most dependable match-winners in the league.
The victory was significant for Rajasthan Royals, snapping a two-match losing streak and lifting them to second place in the points table. Their bowlers executed plans to perfection on a surface that offered grip and variable bounce, making stroke play difficult.
For Lucknow Super Giants, the defeat marked a worrying fourth consecutive loss, pushing them down to ninth place. Despite a promising start to the season, their campaign now appears to be slipping, with both batting inconsistency and inability to handle pressure situations proving costly.
Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant plucks a screamer out of thin air to remove Yashasvi Jaiswal in LSG vs RR encounter
