Top News

New Delhi: Team India and Delhi Capitals (DC) batter KL Rahul recently admitted that he was never considered a T20 player and said he is glad to have proven his critics wrong. Rahul has been one of the most consistent performers in the IPL over the years and is among the leading run-getters in the league’s history.

Despite his consistent returns, Rahul’s strike rate in T20s remained a concern and was questioned by many over the years. However, the elegant right-hander has worked on his power game and significantly improved his scoring rate to keep up with modern-day standards in T20 batting.

Though he is not in the scheme of things for India in T20Is, Rahul continues to be a vital cog in the Delhi Capitals batting line-up in the IPL. He has made a strong start in the ongoing IPL 2026 and is currently the second-highest run-getter in the league with 440 runs in 10 matches at an average of over 54 and an impressive strike rate of 185.83.

Speaking on JioStar’s show ‘Superstars’, Rahul opened up on his journey of becoming a white-ball regular by ditching his initial image of being a red-ball specialist. The star batter admitted he has made mistakes along the way but is glad to have reached where he has in his career at present.

“Ten 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,” Rahul said on the show

“So, to break out of that mould, develop my white-ball game and come this far is something I’m really proud of. Along the way, I’ve made mistakes and there are things I could have done better,” he added.

Responding to his strike-rate critics, the Delhi Capitals batter said he has always tried to give his best for whichever team he has represented in his career so far.

“But, what I’m proud of is that I’ve given my absolute best every time I’ve played and prepared as well as I could to give myself the best chance to succeed. That’s sport; things won’t always go your way,” said the DC batter.

Rahul has been in excellent form for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026, providing good starts at the top. He has so far amassed 433 runs in 9 matches this season and is currently the leading run-getter for his team in the tournament. Rahul is currently in the second spot on the list of highest run-getters in the IPL 2026, behind only Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma.

The DC opener smashed a stunning, unbeaten 152-run knock against Punjab Kings earlier this season to record his highest individual score in T20 cricket.