Indian cricketer KL Rahul recently received a special gesture from Indian Super League side Bengaluru FC, who gifted him a club jersey following a lighthearted social media exchange. The moment of cross-sport camaraderie came after Rahul showed off his football skills during a cricket match, which quickly caught the attention of fans and fellow athletes alike.
The incident dates back to a Test match between India and Australia in late 2024. While fielding at point, KL Rahul entertained viewers by juggling the ball with his feet before collecting it in his hands — a football-like move that stood out in the middle of a high-stakes cricket match. The moment was widely shared online, with Rahul himself posting the clip on Instagram.
In the caption of the post, KL Rahul jokingly tagged Parth Jindal, who is the co-owner of both Delhi Capitals, Rahul’s IPL team, and Bengaluru FC. He asked if there was an opening in the football club, making light of his juggling skills. The cheeky remark was well received by both fans and Bengaluru FC, who decided to respond in good humor.
Soon after, Bengaluru FC replied publicly and extended the joke by saying they had sent a loan request to the Delhi Capitals. The banter between clubs across different sports led to a lot of excitement among fans, who appreciated the lighthearted tone and the unity between India’s cricket and football fraternities.
As a continuation of the fun exchange, Bengaluru FC sent KL Rahul an official club jersey as a token of appreciation. The gesture was not only a playful response to Rahul’s skills but also a nod to the growing bond between athletes from different sporting backgrounds.
KL Rahul has shown appreciation for other sports before, and this wasn’t the first time he’s been part of such a moment. In 2018, during an IPL season, he and teammate Hardik Pandya exchanged jerseys after a match — a tradition borrowed from the world of football. That moment too was celebrated by fans and noted as a sign of respect and friendship between players.
This latest interaction between KL Rahul and Bengaluru FC serves as a reminder that sports are about more than just competition — they’re also about mutual respect, unity, and fun. The move also helped shine a spotlight on Indian football at a time when most sports coverage is dominated by cricket.