KL Rahul is on the cusp of a major milestone in IPL history. The Delhi Capitals batter needs just 13 runs in tonight's match against Punjab Kings to surpass MS Dhoni and become the sixth-highest run-scorer in the tournament's history.
Rahul's Current Form
Rahul enters the contest with confidence, having recently played a match-winning knock against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a venue close to his heart as his home ground in domestic cricket. This season, Rahul has shown a noticeable shift in approach, batting with greater intent. He currently strikes at close to 170, hitting a boundary every 2.6 balls, reflecting a more attacking mindset at the top of the order.
So far this season, Rahul has scored 205 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 166.67, including two half-centuries, with a best score of 92.
Closing in on Dhoni
In his IPL career, Rahul has represented multiple franchises: Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants, before joining Delhi Capitals. He has amassed 5,427 runs in 151 matches (142 innings) at an impressive average of 45.60 and a strike rate of 136.97. His tally includes five centuries and 42 fifties, with a highest score of 132*.
On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni has scored 5,439 runs in 278 matches (242 innings) at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 fifties, with a top score of 84*.
Rahul has already surpassed Dhoni in one key metric: the most 50-plus scores as a designated wicketkeeper-batter in IPL history, with 31 such scores compared to Dhoni's 24. If Rahul crosses Dhoni tonight, his next target will be Suresh Raina, who sits fifth on the all-time list with 5,528 runs.
Top 10 Leading Run-Scorers in IPL History
- Virat Kohli - 8,908 runs (273 matches, 8 centuries, 65 fifties)
- Rohit Sharma - 7,183 runs (276 matches, 2 centuries, 48 fifties)
- Shikhar Dhawan - 6,769 runs (222 matches, 2 centuries, 51 fifties)
- David Warner - 6,565 runs (184 matches, 4 centuries, 62 fifties)
- Suresh Raina - 5,528 runs (205 matches, 1 century, 39 fifties)
- MS Dhoni - 5,439 runs (278 matches, 0 centuries, 24 fifties)
- KL Rahul - 5,427 runs (151 matches, 5 centuries, 42 fifties)
- Ajinkya Rahane - 5,184 runs (205 matches, 2 centuries, 34 fifties)
- AB de Villiers - 5,162 runs (184 matches, 3 centuries, 40 fifties)
- Suryakumar Yadav - 4,432 runs (172 matches, 2 centuries, 30 fifties)
Stay updated with the latest IPL Live Score, IPL news on Times of India. Follow the IPL Schedule, check the IPL Points Table, and track the race for the IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.
