‘Please don’t do this’ - KL Rahul’s message to fan after convocation gesture goes viral

Published - 28 Oct 2025, 23:33 IST | Updated - 28 Oct 2025, 23:33 IST

Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul recently reacted to a viral video showing a fan holding up his jersey during a convocation ceremony. The star cricketer urged his supporters to avoid such gestures in the future.

Rahul clarified that he had no role in the fan’s academic achievement and emphasised that the convocation was a personal milestone that should be celebrated for one’s own hard work and dedication. He noted that while he appreciated the admiration, the fan should not have dedicated such a special moment to someone else.

"I've seen this. I think he came with a board earlier as well. So sweet, but it was his moment; he should keep it for himself. Please don't do this, it's your moment, you are graduating, don't give it to somebody else. I have not helped him graduate,” said Rahul on ‘2 Sloggers’ YouTube Channel.

The 33-year-old also opened up about his fitness, stating that his goal has always been to maintain an aesthetically fit physique. He revealed that he draws inspiration from former English footballer David Beckham, whose fitness has long influenced him.

"I always wanted to be fit, and also fit-looking. A lot of cricketers are very fit, fitter than those who look fit aesthetically, but you don't get that vibe when they remove the T-shirt. I always wanted to be that. Beckham ka fan hoon yaar (I'm a fan of Beckham),” said Rahul.

Rahul has enjoyed a stellar year, emerging as India’s second-highest run-scorer in 2025, with 986 runs from 24 innings at an average of 49.30 across formats. He was last seen in action during India’s recently concluded three-match ODI series against Australia, where he scored 49 runs in two innings as the Men in Blue slipped to a 1–2 series defeat.

The wicketkeeper-batter is expected to feature in India’s squad for the upcoming two-match home Test series against South Africa, with the first Test scheduled to begin at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on November 14.