CricRadio

Download the CricRadio app

Never miss any cricket action

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store

May 25, 2026 5:25 PM

NEWS

Rayudu Backs KL Rahul as IPL Match-Winner Deserving of a Title Triumph

Rayudu Backs KL Rahul as IPL Match-Winner Deserving of a Title Triumph

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes KL Rahul deserves to win an IPL title after another outstanding season in which he almost single-handedly carried Delhi Capitals’ batting lineup.

Rahul finished IPL 2026 with 593 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 174.41, ending the league stage fourth in the Orange Cap standings. Despite his consistency and attacking intent throughout the season, Delhi Capitals once again failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing sixth on the table.

In DC’s final league game against Kolkata Knight Riders, Rahul signed off with a blistering 60 off just 30 balls. His aggressive approach against elite spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy particularly impressed Rayudu, who described Rahul’s straight hitting against Narine as some of the best batting seen against the spinner this season.

Rayudu praised Rahul for consistently taking on the tournament’s top bowlers, including Josh Hazlewood and Narine, while also calling him one of the most dependable performers in IPL history. He added that Delhi Capitals owe it to Rahul to build a stronger championship-winning squad around him.

Former South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher echoed those sentiments, highlighting how Rahul’s intent during the middle overs neutralized KKR’s dangerous spin attack. According to Boucher, Rahul’s ability to dominate quality bowlers changes the entire momentum of a match and underlines why he should now be considered among the league’s elite T20 batters.

One of the biggest talking points around Rahul over the years has been his strike rate. Between 2018 and 2025, he was frequently criticised for batting too conservatively despite piling up runs. This season, however, Rahul completely transformed his approach, combining consistency with aggressive stroke play at a level not previously seen in his IPL career.

Both Rayudu and Boucher also urged Delhi Capitals not to dismantle their squad despite another disappointing finish. They believe the franchise already possesses a strong core featuring Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc and Axar Patel, but has repeatedly failed to maximize its potential.

For Rahul, IPL 2026 may not have ended with silverware, but it arguably marked the most complete T20 batting season of his career.

 
 

Catch the match live updates, highlights, and full match coverage on CricRadio. Get fast, accurate, and ad-free updates throughout the game. Download the CricRadio app from the Play Store to stay connected. You can also get the live scores of cricket series directly on the CricRadio website for real-time coverage.

#KL Rahul

#Sunil Narine

#Delhi Capitals

#Kolkata Knight Riders

More cricket stories