KL Rahul’s Record-Breaking 152 Powers Delhi Capitals to 264/2 in IPL Run-Fest

New Delhi, April 2026 : KL Rahul delivered one of the greatest batting performances in Indian Premier League history, smashing an unbeaten 152 to propel the Delhi Capitals to a massive 264/2 against the Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday.

Rahul’s breathtaking 67-ball knock, studded with 16 fours and nine sixes, not only powered his team to their highest-ever IPL total but also made him the highest-scoring Indian batter in the tournament’s history. With a staggering strike rate of 226, Rahul joined an elite list featuring Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum as the only players to cross the 150-run mark in the IPL.

The innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, precision, and innovation, coming under extreme heat conditions with temperatures soaring to 41 degrees Celsius. Rahul found an able partner in Nitish Rana, who played a scintillating knock of 91 off just 44 balls. Together, the duo stitched a monumental 220-run partnership off just 95 deliveries, completely dismantling the Punjab bowling attack.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Delhi Capitals made their intentions clear from the outset. While Pathum Nissanka got the innings going with early boundaries, Rahul quickly took charge, displaying a wide array of strokes against both pace and spin. However, Punjab Kings had an early opportunity to halt the carnage when Shashank Singh dropped Rahul on 12—a mistake that proved extremely costly.

Shortly after, Arshdeep Singh dismissed Nissanka, but the breakthrough did little to slow Delhi’s momentum. Rahul responded with a flurry of boundaries and a towering six, setting the tone for what would become a historic innings. Rana soon joined the assault, finding gaps with ease and punishing loose deliveries.

Delhi raced to 68/1 at the end of the powerplay, their highest in the phase this season. Rahul brought up his half-century in just 26 balls, continuing his dominance with elegant drives, pulls, and lofted shots. He reached his century in only 47 balls, celebrating the milestone with his trademark ‘X’ gesture as the crowd erupted in applause.

Punjab’s bowlers, including Yuzvendra Chahal, Marco Jansen, and Marcus Stoinis, struggled to contain the relentless onslaught. Rahul showed no mercy, dispatching deliveries to all parts of the ground with remarkable consistency.

Rana, on the other hand, complemented Rahul perfectly. He brought up his half-century in 29 balls and kept the scoreboard ticking at a blistering pace. A dramatic moment came in the 17th over when Stoinis appeared to have dismissed Rana with a stunning catch, only for the third umpire to rule it a six after replays showed contact with the boundary rope.

The duo continued their assault until Rana fell for 91, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century. His innings included 11 fours and four sixes and played a crucial role in setting up the massive total.

Rahul, however, remained unbeaten and unstoppable. He surged past the 150-run mark with innovative strokes, including scoops and upper cuts, ensuring Delhi finished with a flourish. His innings also marked a unique achievement—becoming the first player in IPL history to score centuries for three different franchises.

Punjab Kings endured a forgettable outing, with their bowlers failing to execute plans and fielders letting crucial chances slip. The dropped catch early in Rahul’s innings summed up their struggles on a day when everything went wrong.

The final score of 264/2 stands as a testament to Delhi’s batting dominance and one of the most explosive displays in IPL history. Rahul’s innings will be remembered as a landmark moment in the tournament, showcasing not just power-hitting but also remarkable composure and skill under pressure.

Brief Scores: Delhi Capitals 264/2 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 152*; Nitish Rana 91) vs Punjab Kings.