KL Rahul’s Redemption: Smashes IPL Milestone in Lucknow Homecoming
Welcome to a night of sheer brilliance at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, where KL Rahul scripted a tale of redemption and record-breaking prowess. Returning to his former turf in Lucknow, Rahul led Delhi Capitals to a commanding 8-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday evening, silencing a partisan crowd with an unbeaten 57 off 42 balls.
This wasn’t just a match-winning knock; it was a historic milestone. Rahul became the fastest batter to reach 5000 IPL runs, achieving the feat in just 130 innings, surpassing David Warner’s previous record of 135 innings. Sitting at eighth on the all-time IPL run-scorers list, Rahul trails behind legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and AB de Villiers, but at 32, he has time on his side to climb higher.
Rahul wasn’t alone in his heroics. Young sensation Abishek Porel complemented him with a fluent fifty, forging a vital 69-run partnership that powered DC to chase down LSG’s modest total of 159/6 with 13 balls to spare. This win propelled Delhi Capitals to level with Gujarat Titans on 12 points, while LSG, despite the loss, remain in fifth place with a fair shot at the playoffs.
Earlier in the evening, DC’s bowling attack laid the foundation for victory. Mukesh Kumar dazzled with figures of 4/33, while Mitchell Starc supported with a tight 1/25, strangling LSG’s batting lineup. Despite a fighting 52 from Aiden Markram and a brisk 45 by Mitchell Marsh, LSG faltered under DC’s clever pace variations, settling for a below-par total on a wicket that offered little to the bowlers.
Reflecting on the fastest to 5000 IPL runs, here’s how the top performers stack up by innings: KL Rahul – 130, David Warner – 135, and Virat Kohli – 157. Rahul’s consistency and adaptability across formats continue to shine, making this milestone a testament to his class.
As the IPL season heats up, KL Rahul’s homecoming heroics have sent a strong message to rivals and selectors alike. Can he carry this form forward and guide DC deeper into the tournament? For now, the night belongs to him—a story of grit, milestones, and a crowd silenced by sheer brilliance at Ekana Cricket Stadium.