Delhi Capitals’ dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, KL Rahul, etched his name further into the Indian Premier League’s record books, now standing among the top ten highest run-scorers in the tournament’s illustrious history. This significant milestone was achieved during a high-octane encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 10th. Rahul’s ascent saw him surpass seasoned campaigners Ajinkya Rahane, the current captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, and veteran former Royal Challengers Bengaluru player Dinesh Karthik in the overall run charts.
The momentous occasion unfolded during a challenging run-chase where the Delhi Capitals found themselves in early trouble, reeling at 58 for the loss of four wickets while pursuing a target of 164 runs. Amidst the pressure, Rahul showcased his exceptional batting prowess with a scintillating, unbeaten innings of 93 runs crafted from just 53 deliveries. His masterful knock was punctuated by seven boundaries and three towering sixes, demonstrating an impressive strike rate of 175.47 and a full array of shots around the wicket.
Since his debut in the IPL back in 2013, Rahul has consistently amassed runs, accumulating a total of 4,868 runs across 135 matches and 126 innings. His career average stands at an impressive 46.36, complemented by a striking rate of 135.67. His batting repertoire includes four centuries and 39 half-centuries, with his highest individual score being an unbeaten 132. This consistent performance has now firmly placed him as the tenth-highest run-scorer in the league’s rich tapestry.
A testament to his batting dominance in the IPL came in the 2020 season, where he donned the Orange Cap as the league’s highest run-scorer while representing Punjab Kings. In that stellar season, he amassed 670 runs in 14 matches and innings, maintaining an exceptional average of 55.83 and a strike rate of 129.34, which included a century and five half-centuries.
Notably, Rahul boasts an extraordinary record against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a franchise he himself represented in the 2013 and 2016 seasons. Against his former team, he has scored a remarkable 741 runs in 17 matches and 16 innings, maintaining an astounding average of 74.10 and a striking rate of 147.31. His dominance against RCB includes one century and four half-centuries, with his personal best score of 132 not out coming against them.
Furthermore, Rahul’s prowess in successful IPL run-chases is unparalleled. He holds an exceptional record with 1,208 runs scored in 25 successful chases, boasting an incredible average of 71.05 and a striking rate of 148.58, including 15 half-centuries. His highest score in a successful chase remains an unbeaten 98. Among the 56 batters who have scored at least 500 runs in successful IPL chases, only David Miller possesses a higher average.
In the recent match, after Delhi Capitals opted to field first, their spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav (2/17) and Vipraj Nigam (2/18) played a crucial role in restricting the home side, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, to 163 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Phil Salt (37 off 17 balls) and Tim David (37 not out off 20 balls) were the notable contributors for RCB, despite an initial strong 61-run partnership between Salt and Virat Kohli (22 off 14 balls).
Chasing the target, Delhi Capitals stumbled early, losing four wickets for just 58 runs. However, Rahul, along with Tristan Stubbs, mounted a resilient fightback, forging an unbroken 111-run partnership for the fifth wicket to secure a clinical victory for their team. While Rahul’s magnificent 93 not out anchored the innings, Stubbs provided valuable support with an unbeaten 38 off 23 balls.
Following this convincing win, Delhi Capitals now occupy the second position in the league standings with four wins out of their four matches played, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru currently sit in fourth place with three wins and two losses from their five encounters. For his match-winning performance and his pivotal role in the run-chase, KL Rahul was rightfully awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ accolade.