NEW DELHI: KL Rahul has been in exceptional form during IPL 2026. His repertoire includes wrist work, flicks, no-look sixes, dancing down the track, and launching the ball over deep mid-wicket, showcasing every shot in his arsenal. Rahul is the highest run-getter for Delhi Capitals this season and the second-highest overall, with 433 runs in nine matches at an average of 54.12 and a strike rate of 185.84. He has also registered one century and three half-centuries.
Ahead of the IPL 2026 clash between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Rahul admitted that he was “never rated as a T20 player” and was often tagged as a Test specialist. Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Superstars’, Rahul explained how he moved beyond that label to become an all-format cricketer.
Breaking the Mould
“Ten years ago, I would have given anything to be part of a T20 team. I was never rated as a T20 player or even considered a good white-ball player; I was branded a Test player. So, to break out of that mould, develop my white-ball game and come this far is something I’m really proud of,” Rahul said. “Along the way, I’ve made mistakes and there are things I could have done better. But what I’m proud of is that I’ve given my absolute best every time I’ve played and prepared as well as I could to give myself the best chance to succeed. That’s sport; things won’t always go your way. You have to take it in your stride and enjoy the journey.”
He emphasized staying balanced: “I’ve always tried to stay balanced, whether I win or lose. Whenever I feel low about what I haven’t achieved, I remind myself of what I have, and it gives me perspective. I still have some time left. So, I’ll keep trying my best and see how many trophies I can win.”
Consistent Performances
Rahul was also in sublime form last year. He played 13 matches in IPL 2025, scoring 539 runs at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72. Reflecting on the evolution of T20 cricket, he said, “T20 cricket has evolved over the last two or three years, especially in the IPL. You can see patterns in how teams are winning, and recently, teams that win the Powerplay often go on to win the game. A few years ago, games were usually decided between the 14th and 20th overs. The Powerplay was always important, but now it carries even more weight.”
Adapting to Team Demands
“For me, personally, it’s something I’ve had to adapt to for the team. This season, the messaging from the team management was very clear. They spoke to me before the IPL and wanted me to bat at the top of the order and play with freedom. Teams are aiming for upwards of 60 in that phase. Having that clarity gave me time to think about how to achieve it within my skill set. I’ve tried to go out each game with that intent. You won’t always succeed, but the idea is right. My focus is on maximising the Powerplay, because that’s the demand of the team and of T20 cricket right now,” he said.
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