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KL Rahul once again showed why he is one of the most consistent batsmen in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after achieving a special record during Delhi Capitals (DC)’s IPL 2026 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on May 8.
Even though Rahul could only score 23 runs during Delhi Capitals’ eight-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders, that little innings was enough for him to enter the Indian Premier League record books in a historic manner on Saturday.
KL Rahul enters IPL history books during DC vs KKR IPL 2026 clash
With this innings, KL Rahul became the first player in IPL history to score more than 1000 runs for three different franchises. Rahul’s achievement also caught the attention of former England captain Kevin Pietersen.
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The two are known for their witty online banter and often entertain fans with playful trolling on Instagram. Recently, Rahul had shared some pictures on social media, due to which a funny argument started between them on social media.
The former Delhi Capitals mentor jokingly asked him to delete the picture, but Rahul gave a befitting reply asking Pietersen to continue his viral “6-7” moment, for which he was mercilessly trolled by Instagram users.
Kevin Pietersen praises KL Rahul after historic IPL achievement
But after his latest IPL milestone, the former England star put the jokes aside and was full of praise after Rahul entered the IPL record books during Delhi Capitals’ clash against KKR. Rahul became the first cricketer in IPL history to score more than 1000 runs for three different franchises.
And Pietersen lauded the DC batsman for his incredible consistency in the tournament. The stylish right-handed batsman has now crossed the 1000-run mark for Delhi Capitals after already achieving the same milestone for Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) early in his IPL career. Following the feat, Pietersen posted on Twitter: “KL is just a star”.
KL is just a star https://t.co/cYGI8gL84G
– Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) 9 May 2026
The Indian batsman scored 2548 runs for Punjab Kings and remains their highest run-scorer. Later, he became one of the key players for Lucknow Super Giants and scored 1410 runs for the franchise between 2022 and 2024.
He also became the fastest player to score 1000 runs for DC, achieving the feat in just 24 innings and breaking the previous record of JP Duminy and Rishabh Pant.
KL Rahul shines amid Delhi Capitals’ struggle
Despite Delhi Capitals struggling in IPL 2026, Rahul has remained one of the biggest positives for the team with his consistent batting performances throughout the season. He is among the top contenders for the Orange Cap this season.
Rahul has already scored 468 runs in 11 matches at an impressive average of 46.80 and an aggressive strike rate of 180.00, with a highest score of 152*.
Venugopal Rao angry as DC’s IPL 2026 playoff hopes are almost over
After another shocking defeat for Delhi in the ongoing IPL 2026, DC’s Director of Cricket, Venugopal Rao has openly blamed the batsmen for the team’s poor performance after the defeat to KKR, which almost ended their playoff hopes.
Venugopal Rao said in the post-match press conference: “After a good start, after seven or eight overs, we were in a good position, down by a wicket or something. Then later, in the next six to seven overs, we couldn’t hit boundaries. In a game this big of the tournament, you can’t miss chances. We need to win in bits and pieces.”
Criticizing the batting unit, Rao said, “When things fail, as a batting unit, you need to take responsibility. ‘I’d rather do it, rather than let someone else do it.’ So, I think that’s what’s missing, I think.”
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