KL Rahul 2.0: From strike-rate sceptic to becoming a modern T20 believer
KL Rahul said he has worked on his strike-rate after scoring 75 off 40 in Delhi Capitals' win over Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. His numbers this season, and his comments on modern T20 batting, underline a marked shift in how he approaches the format now after once calling strike-rate overrated.
For years, one of the biggest criticisms aimed at KL Rahul was never about the runs he scored. Since 2018, barring IPL 2023, he has consistently scored more than 500 runs each season. However, his strike rate was the biggest issue with his batting, with many pundits feeling that he wasn't keeping up with the modern T20 approach.
RR vs DC: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
But all that seems to have changed in 2026. Rahul has scored 433 runs in nine matches, including a hundred and three fifties. The latest was 75 off 40 balls against RR in Jaipur, helping DC break their losing streak and get back among the points. The strike-rate for the DC star is 185.84, the best of his IPL career so far, showing that he is eager to adapt to the modern way.
KL RAHUL: RUNS AND STRIKE-RATE FROM 2018
2018 – 659 runs | SR 158.41
2019 – 593 runs | SR 135.38
2020 – 670 runs | SR 129.34
2021 – 626 runs | SR 138.80
2022 – 616 runs | SR 135.38
2023 – 274 runs | SR 113.22
2024 – 520 runs | SR 136.13
2025 – 539 runs | SR 149.72
2026* – 433 runs | SR 185.84
It wasn't long ago that he said that strike-rate was overrated in T20 cricket, but now, Rahul is a firm believer of the smash bang style of the shortest format of the game.
Speaking after DC's win, Rahul said that he was happy to put the team first and doing what's required by the modern game.
"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," said Rahul.
'WANTED TO FACE MORE BALLS IN POWERPLAY'
Rahul and Pathum Nissanka setup the chase for Delhi in Jaipur, with a partnership of 110 from 57 balls. During the stand, Nissanka faced most of the deliveries in the powerplay. While Rahul was happy to see his partner smoke the ball, the DC opener admitted that he wanted to face more deliveries in the first six overs.
"Yeah, I did. I was hoping I could get some more balls in the powerplay. But the way Pathum batted, there was not much for me to do. I just had to stand on the other side and watch him smoke the ball. The way he batted put us right in front of the game. That's what we expect of the powerplay, the right intent. They're a really good team that wins games in powerplay with bat and ball. With the ball as well, I think we started really well, and with the bat as well, Pathum gave us the start that we needed in a 220-run chase," said Rahul.
DC will face CSK next in New Delhi on May 5.
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