KL Rahul Gives it Back to People Criticizing Him Over Slow Strike-Rate After Winning Orange Cap

With over 5,600 IPL runs, KL Rahul has maintained a stellar average of 46.73 and a strike rate of 138, underscored by six centuries.

KL Rahul Gives it Back to People Criticizing Him Over Slow Strike-Rate After Winning Orange Cap

KL Rahul talked about he improvemet in his T20 strike-rate. (via NDTV Sports)

In Short
  • KL Rahul won the IPL 2026 Orange Cap, scoring 433 runs in nine matches at an average of 54.12.
  • He achieved a crucial 75 runs off 40 balls in a seven-wicket victory against Rajasthan Royals.
  • Rahul's strike-rate has improved significantly, now exceeding 180, addressing past criticisms of his batting pace.

Delhi Capitals batter KL Rahul made a striking statement about his T20 strike-rate, shortly after claiming the IPL 2026 Orange Cap. These remarks followed his impactful innings of 75 runs, which were crucial in leading his team to a seven-wicket win against the Rajasthan Royals.

KL Rahul currently stands on top of the run-scoring charts for IPL 2026, having accumulated 433 runs in nine matches at an average of 54.12, including a record-breaking 152 not out, which he scored in a losing cause against the Punjab Kings. The 34-year-old won his second POTM award of the season against RR. His score of 75 runs off 40 balls was crucial in setting up Delhi’s seven-wicket victory while chasing 227 runs.

Rahul hit 6 fours and 5 sixes, while receiving support from his opening partner Pathum Nissanka, who scored 62 runs off 33 balls. Both of them forged a brilliant 110-run stand, easing the pursuit of the target for the DC batters. Nitish Rana (33 off 17), Ashutosh Sharma (25 off 15), and Tristan Stubbs (18 off 11) were the other contributors, as Delhi Capitals went over the line with five balls to spare.

Rahul talked about a notable aspect of his T20 career, his strike rate. The Team India star claimed that it has improved considerably. Rahul, in fact, exclaimed that his batting rate has been the talking point of his career for the last few years and that he has worked on it intensively. The right-hander pointed to the fact that he has modeled it, as per the requirements of modern-day T20 cricket. He told at the post-match presentation:

Strike-rate was much talked about over the years. That’s something I have worked on. I am happy I am doing what’s required for the team, number one, and doing what modern T20 cricket requires, and yeah, that’s pleasing.

He has long been absent from the Indian T20I team, and his low strike rate has been labeled as the primary reason for the continued exclusion. Despite the fact that he has scored over 500 runs in seven out of the last eight IPL editions, Rahul’s strike-rate has remained around 130-140. The narrative however, seems to be changing, with KL Rahul’s strike-rate this summer, remaining well above 180-mark, which is quite a jump from the 149.72 that he had in IPL 2025.

Historically, it was believed that KL Rahul’s strike rate dropped when he carried the burden of captaincy as well and shifted to the middle order. However, he appears relaxed at the moment, and seems to have returned to his 2018-form. 

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Ambati Rayudu hails KL Rahul’s new ‘approach’ and ‘mindset’ after DC’s triumph over RR

A six-time IPL champion, Ambati Rayudu was impressed by KL Rahul after the latter delivered a POTM performance in DC’s win over RR. The former Indian batter praised the wicket-keeper batter’s approach and mindset, noting that they have changed significantly. 

KL Rahul Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu lauded KL Rahul’s change in mindset in the IPL. (via News 18)

Rayudu specifically talked about how Rahul took down Ravi Bishnoi during the chase, despite not having a great record against the leg-spinner. However, with DC chasing a mammoth 226-run target, the 34-year-old went ballistic against Bishnoi, smashing the spinner for 26 runs off nine balls, including two fours and two sixes. As a result, the RR’ spinner’s spell was limited to only two overs, giving away 28 runs.

Ambati Rayudu suggested that KL Rahul always had an aggressive side, capable of challenging any bowler at any point in a match. He lauded the opener’s mindset and batting approach, which allowed him to also bounce back to form after two single-digit scores in the two opening matches of the season. He also lauded the way KL Rahul confidently went all out against Bishnoi. Rayudu said on ESPNCricinfo:

He [KL 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.

Nonetheless, the Karnataka-born batter will be looking to remain in form to help DC make it to the play-offs. Delhi Capitals next take on Chennai Super Kings, Rayudu’s former team, at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday, May 5. 

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