IPL 2026 has opened up another dimension to the argument for the best IPL chaser ever. Virat Kohli has always been famously branded as "The Chase Master" with his huge numbers in the second innings, but with fresh statistics coming from IPL 2026, KL Rahul is emerging as a stronger player in chase innings.
Another emphatic chase fromKL Rahul has added yet another chapter to his chasing credentials, with his 92 of 52 balls against the Gujarat Titans helping the Delhi Capitals' skipper in outperforming Virat Kohli with key chasing statistics.
The Big Difference in Averages
Perhaps the biggest of all the statistics for a chaser is the average batting score while chasing, and as of IPL 2026, KL Rahul has maintained an average of 47.92 in 66 innings while chasing while Kohli trails with 41.51.
A difference of roughly 6 runs may not appear huge in cricket, but in the context of T20s, a difference of 6 runs is a massive parameter to consider, and this indicates the reliability and consistency of Rahul while chasing.
Although, Kohli still holds the record of the highest number of runs in chases in the IPL.
Rahul Leading in Match-Winning Knockes
The other important factor is how many fifty-plus scores have these two player got in chasing situations. KL Rahul has made 25 fifties in merely 66 innings. Which translates to an average of over 38% of fifties in the chases.
On the other hand, Kohli despite playing nearly twice the innings has managed 33 fifties. But it translates to just over 26%. Clearly depicting how consistent KL Rahul is when it comes to a substantial knock in the chases.
The fact that he can convert them to good knocks is one of the prime reasons for him being perceived a better option.
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Where do they stand now?
With the IPL 2026 ranking released, Virat Kohli has been dropped out from the top 5 in the chasing averages.
- David Miller - 49.08
- KL Rahul - 47.92
- Jos Buttler - 44.15
- David Warner - 43.80
- Virat Kohli - 41.51
Despite Kohli's excellent past record and experience. The stats certainly indicate a change of guards and that KL Rahul has now gained the upper hand when it comes to chasing. The debate might rage on. But going by recent stats, KL Rahul has surely picked up the mantle of the best chasing batter.
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