IPL 2026 | 'I was never rated as a T20 player': KL Rahul's candid admission ahead of DC vs CSK clash
KL Rahul is enjoying a stellar IPL 2026 season, leading Delhi Capitals in runs with 433 in 9 matches. He reflects on overcoming the 'Test specialist' tag to become an all-format player, emphasizing his pride in adapting to T20 demands, particularly maximising the Powerplay for his team.
NEW DELHI: KL Rahul has been in top form in IPL 2026. Wrist work, flicks, no-look sixes, dancing down the track and launching the ball over deep mid-wicket - the tournament has showcased every shot in his armoury. Rahul is the highest run-getter for Delhi Capitals this season and the second-highest overall, with 433 runs in 9 matches at an average of 54.
12 and a strike rate of 185. 84. He also has one century and three half-centuries to his name.
Ahead of the IPL 2026 clash between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Rahul admitted he was “never rated as a T20 player” and was often tagged as a Test specialist. Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Superstars’, Rahul explained how he moved beyond the tag of being a Test player to become an all-format cricketer. "10 years ago, I would have given anything to be part of a T20 team.
I was never rated as a T20 player or even considered a good white-ball player; I was branded a Test player. So, to break out of that mould, develop my white-ball game and come this far is something I’m really proud of," KL Rahul said. "Along the way, I’ve made mistakes and there are things I could have done better.