For years, one of the biggest criticisms leveled at KL Rahul was never about the runs he scored. As of 2018, except for IPL 2023, he has regularly scored more than 500 runs every season. However, the biggest problem with his batting was his strike rate, with many pundits feeling that it was not keeping pace with the modern approach of T20.
RR vs DC: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
But that all seems to have changed in 2026. Rahul scored 433 runs in nine matches, including one hundred and three fifties. Last was 75 off 40 balls against RR in Jaipur, to help DC break their losing streak and return between points. The strike rate for the DC star is 185.84, the best result of his IPL career so far, which shows that he wants to adapt to the modern way.
KL RAHUL: RUN AND STRIKE RATE FROM 2018
2018 – 659 rides | SR 158.41
2019 – 593 runs | SR 135.38
2020 – 670 rides | SR 129.34
2021 – 626 runs | SR 138.80
2022 – 616 rides | SR 135.38
2023 – 274 runs | SR 113.22
2024 – 520 rides | SR 136.13
2025 – 539 rides | SR 149.72
2026* – 433 rides | SR 185.84
It wasn’t long ago that he said that strike-rate has been overrated in T20 cricketbut now Rahul is a firm believer in the smash bang style of the shortest format of the game.
After DC’s win, Rahul said he was happy to have put the team first and done what the modern game demands.
“There has been a lot of talk over the years about the strike rate. That is something I have been working on. I am happy to do what is required of the team, number one, and do what modern T20 cricket requires and yes, that is gratifying,” Rahul said.
‘WANTED TO FACE MORE BALLS IN POWERPLAY’
Rahul and Pathum Nissanka started Delhi’s chase in Jaipur with a partnership of 110 off 57 balls. During the standoff, Nissanka faced most deliveries in the power play. While Rahul was happy to see his partner smoking the ball, the DC opener admitted he wanted to face more deliveries in the first six overs.
“Yes, I did. I was hoping I could get some more balls in the powerplay. But the way Pathum batted, there wasn’t much for me to do. I just had to stand on the other side and watch him smoke the ball. The way he batted got us right in front of the game. That’s what we expect from the powerplay, with the right intention. I think the ball-to-ball games are really good, the ball team that wins, they’re a really good team overs. really well and with the bat too Pathum gave us the start we needed in the 220 run chase,” said Rahul.
DC will next face CSK in New Delhi on May 5.
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Published on:
May 2, 2026 08:34 IST
