Mohammad Kaif called KL Rahul’s unbeaten 152 a throwback to the finest batting standards, even as the result turned bitter for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. Delhi posted a record-style total of 264 for 2 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, but Punjab Kings chased it down in a stunning pursuit to win with seven balls remaining.
Quick facts
- KL Rahul scored 152 not out off 67 balls.
- It was the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL and men’s T20 cricket.
- Delhi Capitals finished with 264 for 2.
- Punjab Kings chased 265 successfully, winning with seven balls to spare.
- Nitish Rana contributed 91 off 44 balls, and added 220 runs for the second wicket with Rahul.
- Shreyas Iyer sealed the chase with an unbeaten 71.
- Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya provided an early push for Punjab Kings.
Kaif said the quality of Rahul’s innings was impossible to miss, describing it as vintage batting and praising the manner in which he attacked every phase of the bowling. He highlighted Rahul’s intent with shots such as drives through the covers, pulls past square leg, and lofted hits straight down the ground.
Rahul’s 152* did not arrive in isolation. Nitish Rana struck 91 off 44 deliveries, and together the pair stitched a massive 220-run stand for the second wicket, lifting Delhi into a position that looked difficult to chase. Delhi’s innings was built on that momentum, with Rahul acting as the anchor for explosive acceleration.
Even with the pressure of a huge target, Punjab Kings did not slow down. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya gave the chase a fast start, forcing Delhi to defend while the asking rate kept climbing.
From there, skipper Shreyas Iyer took control and stayed unbeaten on 71 to guide Punjab Kings home. The chase ended with Punjab reaching 265 with seven balls still left, turning Rahul’s historic knock into a heartbreaking footnote rather than a match-winning story.
Kaif’s verdict
Kaif underlined the unforgiving nature of cricket, where brilliance can still be swallowed by defeat. He stressed that Rahul may have finished not out, yet the loss would sting more than the runs, arguing that the innings would be remembered—but the result would hurt more deeply.
He added that Rahul “must be shattered,” pointing to the cruel contrast between personal achievement and the team’s outcome. The final note was clear: even an innings of that magnitude can end in disappointment when the chase goes the other way.
Despite the losing cause, KL Rahul received the player-of-the-match award for his extraordinary performance, underlining how dominant the 152* was—even if the trophy stayed with Punjab Kings.
