IPL 2026: KL Rahul Set to Play 150th IPL Game vs. RCB

Last year, when KL Rahul met RCB at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, he celebrated aggressively after stealing a victory in DC’s favour

Bengaluru lad KL Rahul is set to return to his childhood stadium, i.e., M. Chinnaswamy, after last year, when he stole the game from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) while playing for his present team, the Delhi Capitals (DC). He not only won the game for his team last year but also celebrated aggressively, claiming the stadium belonged to him, given that he grew up playing on that ground.

This year, when Rahul returns to the stadium on Saturday afternoon, it will be a special moment for him because he will be appearing in his 150th IPL game. Isn’t the occasion super special, given it will take place at Rahul’s hometown against his former team?

Ahead of the match, let’s check out Rahul’s journey in the IPL so far.

Debut and multiple teams

Hailing from Bengaluru, Rahul made his IPL debut for RCB in 2013, but in 2014, he moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad. In the early years, Rahul struggled to meet the team’s expectations, experiencing lukewarm seasons before returning to RCB in 2016, where he finally found his rhythm.

In 2018, Rahul moved to Punjab, where he truly flourished, scoring over 600 runs in 2018, 2020, and 2021, whereas in 2019, he scored 593 runs. He captained the Lucknow Super Giants in 2022, scoring 616 runs, whereas in 2023, he experienced a batting slump but recovered with 520 runs. In 2025, he moved to DC.

IPL in numbers

Overall, in 149 matches played so far, Rahul has scored 5,353 runs, with a highest score of 132. His batting average stands at 44.98, whereas his strike rate is at 136.52. Rahul also has five centuries in the tournament and 41 half-centuries to his name, making him one of the most consistent top-order batters. Although his strike rate has always been somewhat debatable, it remains a significant aspect of his performance.

Fastest 50

Given how quickly the owners of records change in the IPL, KL Rahul has also held IPL records at some point. In 2018, while representing Kings XI Punjab, Rahul hit the then-IPL's fastest fifty in 14. In 2020, he also set a record for the highest innings score by an Indian.

What’s a career without controversies?

Even though Rahul is known for having a calm demeanour, controversies did not leave him alone. During his time at LSG, he was involved in an ugly verbal spat with LSG’s owner, Sanjeev Goenka. However, Rahul did not answer his former boss outside the field. Rather, he quit the team and joined DC, and he has been doing well for them with the bat.

On Saturday, when Rahul walks onto the field, he will join a list of elite IPL players.

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