KL Rahul has moved past MS Dhoni on the IPL all-time run-scorers chart, and the Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter appears to have redefined his own game this season. The 34-year-old has amassed 5,580 runs across 144 innings, striking at 138.39 with an average of 46.50. Rahul currently sits fifth on the list. Dhoni, meanwhile, is seventh with 5,439 runs from 242 innings, posting an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45. Rahul’s standout knock of 152* off 67 balls against Punjab Kings this season not only boosted his campaign, but also pushed him into the record books.
Even so, Delhi have been far from consistent in 2026, and they find themselves seventh in the IPL standings with three wins and five losses.
In an interaction with JioStar, Rahul discussed the moment he crossed Dhoni on the run-scorers list, while also admitting that his real ambition is tied to silverware rather than numbers. He said he wasn’t even aware he had overtaken Dhoni until the milestone was pointed out.
“I didn’t even realise I had gone past Mahi bhai on the IPL’s all-time run-scorers list. Honestly, the milestone I would love to match with MS Dhoni is his five IPL trophies that he’s won with CSK,” Rahul said.
Rahul added that while individual milestones carry their own satisfaction, the bigger purpose is always team success. He framed trophies as the benchmark that truly matters in a long career.
“When you have a long career, personal achievements do feel special. They tell you that your hard work and sacrifices have paid off. But at the end of the day, cricket is a team sport. You want to win trophies. You want to be part of successful sides. That has always been my goal. Every season, I give my best to win the IPL, no matter which team I play for. That matters the most to me. Personal milestones are good. They reassure me that I am on the right track. But what would truly make me happy is winning as many trophies as MS Dhoni,” he added.
For Delhi Capitals, Rahul has also been taking on the responsibility of opening the batting. On what it means to start the innings for DC, he said it makes his preparation simpler because he knows his role in advance.
“Playing as an opening batter for Delhi Capitals makes my life a bit easier. Knowing that this is where I am going to bat, and that it is a permanent position, helps me prepare better,” Rahul said.
He acknowledged that in franchise cricket nothing is truly fixed, and teams can adjust batting orders based on conditions and matchups. Still, he believes knowing that he will mostly open gives him a clearer plan and a smoother routine.
“Of course, nothing is truly permanent in a team sport. Sometimes you have to shift up or down the order and be flexible in your mindset. But walking into the season knowing that this is where I will mostly start helps me find a clear game plan. It gives me clarity on what I need to do this season, and that has really helped me. I have always batted at the top of the order, at least in T20 cricket and the IPL. It is a position where I have spent a lot of time, so I know how to manage my game. I understand what kind of process I need to follow to help the team. It is a very comfortable role for me. I am happy that I am at the top,” he concluded.
