Irfan Pathan Praises KL Rahul as Delhi Capitals' 'Safest Bank' for IPL 2026
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season approaches, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lauded Delhi Capitals (DC) opener KL Rahul for his remarkable consistency, dubbing him the team's "safest bank." Pathan also expressed strong support for Prithvi Shaw to partner Rahul at the top of the batting order for the upcoming campaign.
Pathan's High Praise for KL Rahul's Reliability
In a detailed analysis on his YouTube channel, Pathan highlighted Rahul's ability to deliver consistently high performances season after season. He emphasized that Rahul is a dependable asset capable of scoring around 500 runs annually, providing DC with solid starts in every match. "KL Rahul is the safest bank to score 500 runs every season," Pathan stated. "He will always score runs and is capable of giving good starts consistently. He is undoubtedly one of the best players in this league."
Addressing occasional criticisms about Rahul's strike rate, Pathan argued that such metrics should not overshadow his contributions as long as the team secures victories. "It is just that we sometimes talk about his strike rate, but as long as you win the match, you do not need to focus much on that," he added.
KL Rahul's Impressive IPL Track Record
Rahul's performance in the previous season underscored his aggressive form, as he amassed 539 runs in just 13 matches, boasting an average of 53.90 and a strike rate nearing 150. This included a century and three half-centuries, making him DC's top run-scorer and the ninth-highest overall in the league. Notably, he led DC in six-hitting with 21 maximums.
Over his extensive IPL career spanning 145 matches, Rahul has accumulated 5,222 runs across 136 innings, representing teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings, and now Delhi Capitals. His career statistics reflect an average of 46.21 and a strike rate of 136.02, featuring five centuries and 40 fifties. He clinched the Orange Cap in the 2020 season with Punjab Kings, scoring 670 runs in 14 innings with a century and five fifties.
As he eyes the 6,000-run milestone, Rahul aims to join elite company, potentially becoming the fifth batter after Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and David Warner to achieve this feat. Currently, he ranks as the seventh-highest run-getter in IPL history.
Pathan Backs Prithvi Shaw for Opening Role
Turning his attention to Prithvi Shaw, Pathan endorsed the young batter as the ideal opening partner for Rahul. Shaw was acquired by DC for Rs 75 lakh after going unsold in the auction ahead of the 2025 season. Pathan believes Shaw's hunger to prove himself, following a season out, will drive his performance. "They got him at a very good price," Pathan noted. "He shifted to Maharashtra from Mumbai in domestic cricket and was the highest run-scorer for Maharashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. I think those hungry players who went unsold last year always come with a point to prove. Prithvi Shaw will come to prove a point."
However, Pathan cautioned Shaw against succumbing to pressure, warning that excessive self-imposed expectations can lead to failure. "The hungry players who have gotten dropped are very excited, but along with that, they also put a lot of pressure on themselves to perform. This pressure always leads you towards failure," he advised.
While acknowledging Abhishek Porel as a viable alternative with his quick contributions of 20s and 30s, Pathan advocated for Shaw's selection, urging the team to provide him with clear role clarity.
Prithvi Shaw's Domestic Form and IPL History
Shaw's recent domestic performances bolster Pathan's endorsement. After switching from Mumbai to Maharashtra, Shaw excelled in the Ranji Trophy, scoring 537 runs in 11 innings at an average of 48.82 and a strike rate over 91, including a double century and three fifties, making him Maharashtra's top run-getter.
He also delivered solid outings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In the 50-over VHT, he made 193 runs in six innings at an average of 32.17 and a strike rate over 104, with two fifties. In the 20-over SMAT, he accumulated 183 runs in seven innings at an average of 26.14, striking at over 160, also with two fifties.
Having not played for India since 2021, Shaw is poised for a strong season with DC, a franchise he represented from 2018 to 2024. During that period, he scored 1,892 runs in 79 innings at an average of nearly 24 and a strike rate of 147.46, with 14 fifties and a best score of 99.
As Delhi Capitals prepare to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1 in Lucknow, the combination of Rahul's reliability and Shaw's determination could prove pivotal for the team's success.
