KL Rahul Opens Up on Being Branded a Test Player Ahead of DC vs CSK
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A Transformation of Stature
In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League, few narratives are as compelling as that of KL Rahul. The 34-year-old batter, currently representing the Delhi Capitals, has been in phenomenal form during the 2026 season. With 433 runs in nine matches, an impressive average of 54, and a blistering strike rate of 185, Rahul is proving that his evolution as a T20 specialist is complete. However, his journey to this peak was far from linear.
Speaking on the JioHotstar show Superstars, Rahul opened up about the early struggles of his international career. ‘Ten years ago, I would have given anything to be part of the T20 side,’ the veteran admitted. ‘I wasn’t rated as a T20 player and wasn’t even seen as a white-ball player. I was typecast as a Test player.’
Breaking the Stereotype
For a significant portion of his early career, Rahul was pigeonholed into the traditional red-ball format. His technical proficiency and classical stroke play led critics and selectors alike to believe he lacked the ‘T20 gear.’ Yet, the numbers paint a different picture. Since his T20I debut in 2016, Rahul has amassed 2,265 runs across 72 matches, including two centuries. He remains one of the elite few Indian batters to have scored a century in all three international formats.
‘I am really proud to break the mould and develop my game in the white-ball format,’ Rahul stated. He candidly acknowledged that his path to success involved trial and error. ‘There were a few things I could have done differently, and certainly there were a few mistakes I made.’ This level of self-reflection highlights the maturity the Karnataka-born batter brings to the Delhi Capitals dressing room.
An Illustrious IPL Journey
To understand the magnitude of his current form, one must look at his IPL evolution. Starting his journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2013, he initially struggled to find his footing. His rise truly began upon his return to RCB in 2016, followed by a prolific four-year tenure with the Punjab Kings, where he tallied over 2,500 runs. His stint as captain at LSG further cemented his status as a modern-day IPL legend.
Now at the Delhi Capitals, Rahul is on the cusp of another milestone. He sits just 28 runs away from the 1,000-run mark for his current franchise, having achieved this in just 23 matches. His highest score of 152 not out against PBKS remains a record for an Indian batter in T20 cricket, a testament to his ability to dominate the crease.
The Road Ahead: DC vs. CSK
As the Delhi Capitals prepare for their high-pressure clash against the Chennai Super Kings, all eyes will be on Rahul. Currently trailing Abhishek Sharma for the prestigious Orange Cap, Rahul needs just eight runs to reclaim the top spot. His mindset remains focused and grounded: ‘Proud of giving my best every time I play and prepare well to give myself a chance to succeed. In sports, things don’t always go your way. One has to take things in stride and enjoy the journey. There is still some time left for me, I want to keep doing my best.’
The Capitals’ playoff aspirations hinge on his ability to anchor the innings against a disciplined CSK bowling attack. If his current form is any indication, the fans at the stadium are in for a masterclass in modern batting. Rahul’s journey from being ‘branded’ as a Test player to becoming an IPL icon is not just a success story—it is a lesson in persistence, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
