Former India batter Ambati Rayudu praised KL Rahul for what he described as the opener’s “mindset” and the improved “approach” he is bringing to his batting, highlighting Rahul’s aggressive dismantling of Ravi Bishnoi in Delhi Capitals’ triumph over Rajasthan Royals on Friday.
Rayudu pointed out that Rahul arrived at the contest without much success against Bishnoi in IPL play, having managed only eight runs from 12 balls prior to the match. However, with Delhi Capitals chasing a huge target of 226, Rahul took control early and punished his former Lucknow Super Giants teammate, clobbering 26 runs off nine deliveries—featuring two fours and two sixes.
Rayudu said Rahul has always had the ability to dominate whenever he chooses, adding that the difference now is the confidence and planning behind the execution. “He [Rahul] has always had the game. He can take on any bowler at any time; it is just his mindset. Today we have seen a very, very good approach to his batting,” Rayudu said on ESPNcricinfo Time Out.
He further explained how Rahul’s shot selection against Bishnoi reflected a clear understanding of the bowler’s pace. “He went through a couple of shots against Bishnoi because he was sure that Bishnoi had the pace, and he could just stand in the crease and still go through with the shot. That shot was still not on—a slightly good-length or short-of-a-length ball, which he hit straight for six. That shows that the wicket was good, and also KL’s confidence in his batting and a change in the way he generally bats,” Rayudu added.
Rayudu also noted that Rahul is now attacking deliveries he would typically avoid, particularly against spin, which has helped him raise his scoring tempo. “These are the balls that he generally does not take in and it is a great sign that he is taking on these lengths and deliveries against spin. That is why we are seeing him play such higher strike-rates in this tournament compared to a few other seasons,” he said.
Rahul’s impact and strike-rate turnaround
- Rahul ended the chase unbeaten on 75 off 41 balls, striking at 187.50.
- He is currently the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 433 runs across nine innings, including three fifties and one century.
- What has particularly impressed in IPL 2026 is his strike rate of 185.83, which is described as his best in IPL history.
- Rahul had previously faced criticism after remarking that “strike rates are very, very overrated”.
- Following his Player-of-the-Match performance, Rahul said he is pleased to see his work translating into results and to align his game with what modern T20 cricket demands.
“The strike rate was a big talking point for a few years,” Rahul said after receiving the Player-of-the-Match award. “That’s something that I’ve really worked on. I’m happy that I’ve worked on that and I’m doing what’s required for the team, number one, and doing what modern T20 cricket requires. And yeah, that’s something that’s pleasing for me.”
