Sports: In a stunning display of resilience and batting brilliance, Delhi Capitals opener KL Rahul etched his name in Indian Premier League history, becoming the quickest to amass 5000 runs. This remarkable achievement unfolded during the Capitals’ commanding eight-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Rahul, demonstrating exceptional composure at the crease, played a pivotal role in anchoring the Delhi innings and ensuring a smooth chase of Lucknow’s 160-run target. His unbeaten knock of 57 not only guided his team to a crucial win but also propelled him past the likes of David Warner, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli in the race to the 5000-run milestone.
The stylish right-hander reached this landmark in a mere 130 innings, eclipsing David Warner’s previous record of 135 innings. Virat Kohli, a stalwart of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, now occupies the third spot, having taken 157 innings to achieve the same feat.
With this feat, Rahul joins an elite club of IPL batsmen who have crossed the 5000-run mark, becoming the eighth player overall to do so. The list is currently led by Virat Kohli (8,326), followed by Rohit Sharma (6,786), Shikhar Dhawan (6,769), David Warner (6,565), Suresh Raina (5,528), MS Dhoni (5,377), and AB de Villiers (5,162). Rahul’s impressive IPL career now boasts 5,006 runs in 139 matches, achieved at an outstanding average of 46.35, including 40 half-centuries and four centuries.
Coming to the crease with Delhi Capitals precariously placed at 36/1 in the fourth over, Rahul immediately instilled a sense of calm and authority. He announced his arrival with a boundary off Avesh Khan and subsequently forged a crucial 69-run partnership with Abhishek Porel for the second wicket.
Rahul showcased his aggressive intent with two towering sixes, one a massive 86-meter hit in the 11th over. He reached his 40th IPL half-century with a quick single in the 18th over, before sealing the emphatic victory for the Capitals in style, pulling the ball for a maximum over mid-wicket.
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