Mumbai (Maharashtra) — KL Rahul, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman for Delhi Capitals and India, marked a significant milestone in his IPL career by crossing 500 runs for the sixth time in the tournament’s history. This achievement places him joint second for the most 500-plus run seasons in the league, underscoring his consistency and class at the crease.
Rahul reached this landmark on Wednesday at the Wankhede Stadium during a crucial clash between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League. Despite a disappointing personal outing in Delhi’s chase of 181, Rahul’s overall performance this season was impressive.
With this, Rahul has now recorded 500 or more runs in eight IPL seasons, equaling the record of Australian opener David Warner. Only Virat Kohli tops the list, having achieved the feat in eight seasons as well. Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan follows closely with five such seasons.
In the match, Rahul managed just 11 runs off six balls before falling to Mumbai’s wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton, who took a low catch off a sharp outside edge induced by New Zealand seamer Trent Boult. Boult, who has been in fine form this season, finished with economical figures, maintaining an 8.37 economy rate while striking eight times during the powerplay.
Rahul’s season statistics stand at an impressive 504 runs in 12 matches, with an average of 56.00 and a striking rate of 148.67, with one game still remaining.
However, Delhi Capitals struggled under pressure in this encounter, with most batsmen unable to keep up with Mumbai’s challenging target. Mumbai’s bowlers Mitchell Santner and Jasprit Bumrah played key roles, taking three wickets each and crushing Delhi’s hopes of a late comeback.
Ultimately, Delhi Capitals fell short by 59 runs, handing Mumbai Indians a crucial victory that bolstered their playoff chances, while Delhi’s campaign faces uncertainty moving forward.
KL Rahul’s sixth 500-plus run season cements his status as one of the IPL’s most consistent and reliable batsmen, even as his team battles to secure a playoff spot in this highly competitive season.
