KL Rahul is set to be back in the limelight after missing out on India’s T20 World Cup 2026 win on home soil. With the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) around the corner, KL Rahul is getting ready to make a comeback in a big way and that too in a new role.
In his first season for Delhi Capitals in 2025, Rahul played in the middle order and scored 371 runs in 10 innings at an impressive average of 53 and a strike rate of 146.06. Even in an unfamiliar role, he looked solid and dangerous, but the Capitals struggled up top.
Faf du Plessis, Abhishek Porel and Jake Fraser-McGurk failed to perform consistently and the team lost momentum. Then the turning point came when Rahul came to open and played a blockbuster inning of 112 not out off just 65 balls against Gujarat Titans.
Delhi Capitals has selected KL Rahul as opening batsman and wicketkeeper for IPL 2026.
Now, DC does not want to experiment, and they are now looking at Rahul at the top as their biggest weapon for the upcoming IPL 2026. The franchise wants Rahul to open the innings and build the game from the first ball. His experience, calm mentality and ability to control the pace make him the perfect choice.
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According to the Times of India report, Delhi Capitals have selected Rahul as their main opening batsman for the entire 2026 season. Additionally, the right-handed batsman will take up the responsibility behind the stumps as the first-choice wicketkeeper for the Capitals in the upcoming season.
Lots of choices, big selection headache for DC
However, the team has plenty of options at the top of the batting order. Ben Duckett brings fearless left-arm attacking cricket. Pathum Nissanka comes with solid form and stability. Then there is Prithvi Shaw, who is always dangerous once he finds his rhythm.
Abhishek Porel is already a key player for DC. Too many options could become a big headache for the Capitals, and they are yet to finalize Rahul’s partner.
Notably, Rahul has scored 5222 runs in 145 IPL matches in his career at an average of 46.21. Since making his IPL debut in 2013, the Karnataka star has so far represented Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in the tournament.
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KL Rahul is not happy with Delhi Capitals?
Meanwhile, former Indian bowler Subramaniam Badrinath has raised doubts over whether Rahul is completely happy with Delhi Capitals ahead of the upcoming season.
“Every year, the batting order is their puzzle, especially where KL Rahul should bat. I believe KL Rahul wants to open the innings,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
But, on the other hand, the team management wants him to bat in the middle order. It seems like it’s a constant struggle. They will definitely have to address this issue. It is not clear whether KL Rahul is happy in DC or not.”
