Kamal Ghorui
KL Rahul produced a historic knock for Delhi Capitals, becoming the first Indian batter to score 150 in the IPL, as he hammered an unbeaten 152 against Punjab Kings in Delhi. The innings now stands as the third-highest individual score in the history of the tournament, behind only Chris Gayle’s 175* and Brendon McCullum’s 158.Highest individual scores in the IPL175* – Chris Gayle (RCB) vs PWI, Bengaluru, 2013158* – Brendon McCullum (KKR) vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2008152* – KL Rahul (DC) vs PBKS, Delhi, 2026141 – Abhishek Sharma (SRH) vs PBKS, Hyderabad, 2025140* – Quinton de Kock (KKR) vs LSG, Mumbai DYP, 2022 Rahul’s effort was not just about numbers, but about how he built it. Given two early reprieves, he made Punjab Kings pay in full. He was first dropped by Shashank Singh on 12 and then again on 51, and from there, the opener took complete control of the contest. By the end of the innings, those missed chances had turned into one of the most expensive errors in IPL history. From the outset, Rahul looked in sublime touch despite Delhi losing Pathum Nissanka early. He soon found the perfect partner in Nitish Rana, and together the duo put on a stunning exhibition of batting. The pair added 220 runs for the second wicket, the highest partnership in Delhi Capitals’ history and the second-highest for any wicket in the IPL, only behind AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli’s 229-run stand in 2016. Their partnership also surpassed the previous best for Delhi Capitals, which was the unbeaten 189-run stand between David Warner and Naman Ojha in 2012. Rahul and Rana’s effort came off just 96 balls, underlining the sheer dominance they displayed over a struggling Punjab attack. Rahul led the charge with 14 fours and nine sixes, bringing up the fastest century of his IPL career along the way. His previous quickest hundred had come in 56 balls against Mumbai Indians in 2022, but this time he went a step further to convert it into a record-breaking 150-plus score. In the process, he also set a new benchmark for Delhi Capitals, surpassing Rishabh Pant’s 128 not out at the same venue in 2018 to register the franchise’s highest individual score. At the other end, Rana played the ideal supporting role, finishing with 91 after striking 11 boundaries and four sixes. Together, they powered Delhi Capitals to a massive 264 for 2 in 20 overs, leaving Punjab Kings with a daunting chase.
