After failures in the first two games, KL Rahul returned among the runs in a show of class at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Chasing 211 to win, Rahul stitched a vital opening partnership with Pathum Nissanka to keep the hosts in the hunt. After a slow-ish start, Rahul turned up the heat to race to a 29-ball half-century, his first of IPL 2026.

After failures in the first two games, KL Rahul returned among the runs in a show of class at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Chasing 211 to win, Rahul stitched a vital opening partnership with Pathum Nissanka to keep the hosts in the hunt. After a slow-ish start, Rahul turned up the heat to race to a 29-ball half-century, his first of IPL 2026.

KL gives Delhi the perfect start

KL Rahul did not have the best of starts in IPL 2026, scoring 0 and 1 in the two games. With a huge score to chase, the onus was on Rahul to give his side the perfect start.

The veteran took his time to get off the blocks, building a partnership with Pathum Nissanka. The duo put on 63 in the powerplay. Rahul was batting on 33 off 25 when Nissanka departed, which unlocked another gear in his arsenal.