KL Rahul’s IPL 2026 campaign has been all about impact and variety, with his wristy timing, quick boundary-making flicks, audacious no-look hits, and the confidence to stride down the pitch and clear the ropes from deep mid-wicket. Delhi Capitals’ top order has leaned heavily on him, and the numbers reflect that consistency.
Quick facts
- KL Rahul is Delhi Capitals’ leading run-scorer in IPL 2026.
- He has 433 runs in 9 matches, averaging 54.12.
- His strike rate in IPL 2026 is 185.84.
- Rahul has scored 1 century and 3 half-centuries this season.
- He is the second-highest run-getter overall in IPL 2026.
- Before an IPL 2026 match at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Rahul said he was “never rated as a T20 player”.
Ahead of Delhi Capitals’ upcoming IPL 2026 meeting with Chennai Super Kings at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Rahul opened up about how he had to move beyond the perception that he was built primarily for Test cricket. He recalled how, earlier in his career, he wasn’t viewed as a natural fit for the shortest format.
On JioStar’s ‘Superstars’, Rahul described the shift from being labelled a “Test player” to carving out an all-format identity. He said that stepping out of that mould required developing his white-ball game and committing to the demands of T20 cricket.
“Ten years ago, I would have done anything to be part of a T20 side. I was never treated as a T20 player, nor even seen as a strong white-ball option; I was mainly branded as a Test specialist. Breaking away from that tag, sharpening my white-ball skills, and reaching this point is something I’m genuinely proud of,” Rahul said.
Rahul also spoke about growth through trial and error, stressing that he has always tried to give his best with preparation and mindset. He added that setbacks are part of sport, and the key is to stay balanced and keep the focus on what can be improved.
“Along the way, I’ve made mistakes and there are areas where I could have done better. What I’m proud of is that I’ve always given everything when I’ve played and prepared as well as I could to maximise my chances. That’s sport—things won’t always go your way. You have to accept it and enjoy the journey. I try to remain level whether I win or lose,” he said.
“When I start feeling low about what I haven’t achieved, I remind myself of what I have, and it helps me get perspective. I still have some time left, so I’ll keep working hard and see how many trophies I can win,” Rahul added.
Adapting to T20’s new demands
Rahul’s form this season comes after another productive run in the previous campaign. In IPL 2025, he featured in 13 matches, scoring 539 runs at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72—numbers that underlined his reliability at the top.
Discussing how T20 cricket has shifted, Rahul pointed to patterns that have become more obvious in recent seasons, particularly in the IPL. He said that teams that execute well in the Powerplay often carry that momentum into the rest of the chase or innings.
“T20 cricket has evolved over the last couple of years, especially in the IPL. You can see trends in how teams win, and lately it’s clear that sides which perform in the Powerplay frequently end up winning the game. A few years ago, matches were often decided between the 14th and 20th overs. The Powerplay was important then too, but now it matters even more,” Rahul said.
Rahul added that Delhi Capitals have given him a clear role this season: bat at the top and play with freedom. He explained that the team’s message before the tournament was direct, and that the plan includes pushing for aggressive totals in the opening phase—often aiming for numbers above 60 in the Powerplay.
“For me personally, it’s something I’ve had to adjust to for the team. This season, the communication from the management was very clear. They spoke to me before the IPL and asked me to bat at the top with freedom. Teams want around 60-plus in that phase. Having that clarity helped me think about how to achieve it using my own skill set,” Rahul said.
He concluded that while clean execution isn’t always guaranteed, the intention is right and the objective is to maximise the Powerplay. “I’ve tried to begin each match with that mindset. You won’t always succeed, but the idea is correct. My focus is on maximising the Powerplay, because that’s what the team needs and what T20 cricket is asking for right now,” Rahul added.
