KL Rahul is enjoying a productive IPL season despite his franchise struggling for consistency. Having joined Delhi Capitals last year, the opening batter has amassed 433 runs in nine games so far and currently
leads the Orange Cap race. He has registered a century and three half-centuries, but what has particularly stood out is his strike rate.
IPL 2026 | Schedule | Results | Orange Cap | Purple Cap
Rahul has scored at an impressive strike rate of 185.84, significantly higher than his career strike rate of 138.82.
Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu believes Rahul always had the ability to take on bowlers, and that his success in the ongoing tournament stems from a shift in mindset.
“He (Rahul) has always had the game,” Rayudu said on ESPNcricinfo. “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.”
On Friday night, Rahul delivered a player-of-the-match performance, smashing 75 off 40 balls to guide DC to a seven-wicket win while chasing 226 against an in-form Rajasthan Royals side. He particularly targeted RR spinner Ravi Bishnoi, hitting two fours and as many sixes off him – an effort that impressed Rayudu.
“He (Rahul) went through a couple of shots against Bishnoi because he was sure that Bishnoi had the pace, and he could just stand in the crease and still go through with the shot. That shot was still not on, a slightly good-length or short-of-a-length ball, which he hit straight for six. That shows that the wicket was good, and also KL’s confidence in his batting and a change in the way he generally bats,” Rayudu said.
“These are the balls that he generally does not take in and it is a great sign that he is taking on these lengths and deliveries against spin. That is why we are seeing him play such higher strike-rates in this tournament compared to few other seasons,” he added.
Despite scoring at least 500 runs each in seven of his last eight IPL seasons, Rahul has faced criticism over his strike rate. The 34-year-old admitted it is an area he has consciously worked to improve.
“The strike rate was a big talking point for a few years. That’s something that I’ve really worked on. I’m happy that I’ve worked on that and I’m doing what’s required for the team, number one, and doing what modern T20 cricket requires. And yeah, that’s something that’s pleasing for me,” Rahul said.
