KL Rahul’s ‘Special’ Century Lights Up IPL 2025: First Right-Hander to Achieve Feat
Introduction: In a breathtaking display of skill and composure, KL Rahul etched his name in the history books of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 by becoming the first right-handed batter to score a century this season. Leading the charge for Delhi Capitals (DC), Rahul’s unbeaten 112 off 65 balls powered his team to a commanding 199 for 3 against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. This pivotal performance in a crucial encounter has not only reignited DC’s playoff hopes but also showcased why Rahul is regarded as one of the finest talents in modern cricket.
A Historic Knock: Before Rahul’s masterful innings, all four centuries in IPL 2025 were claimed by left-handed batters—Abhishek Sharma (141), Ishan Kishan (106*), Priyansh Arya (103), and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (101). Breaking this streak, Rahul’s knock was a blend of elegance and resilience, facing the most deliveries by any batter this season with 65 balls, underlining his role as an anchor for DC. His unbeaten 112 now stands as the highest individual score against Gujarat Titans in IPL history, surpassing Suryakumar Yadav’s 103* at Wankhede Stadium in 2023.
Record-Breaking Milestones: Rahul’s century was more than just runs on the board; it was a record-shattering performance. This was his fifth IPL century and seventh in T20 cricket overall, placing him joint-third among Indian batters for the most T20 hundreds alongside Abhishek Sharma. Only Virat Kohli (9) and Rohit Sharma (8) stand ahead of him. Additionally, during this innings, Rahul became the fastest Indian to reach 8000 T20 runs, achieving the feat in just 224 innings—a staggering 19 fewer than Kohli’s 243. Globally, only Chris Gayle (213) and Babar Azam (218) have reached the milestone quicker.
Mentor’s Praise and Team Impact: Kevin Pietersen, mentor for Delhi Capitals, couldn’t hold back his admiration for Rahul’s performance. ‘KL wanted to open again, and it’s just so good to watch him in full flow. Watching world-class players like him execute under pressure—that’s special. But it’s only half the job done,’ Pietersen remarked. For DC, this innings was a beacon of hope in their quest for a playoff berth, as Rahul carried the weight of their dreams with a blend of aggression and stability, guiding them to a formidable total on a night to remember.
Conclusion: KL Rahul’s unbeaten century against Gujarat Titans isn’t just a personal triumph; it’s a testament to his class, determination, and ability to rise to the occasion. As Delhi Capitals look to build on this momentum in IPL 2025, Rahul’s performance serves as a reminder of why he remains a cornerstone of Indian cricket. With records tumbling and history being rewritten at Arun Jaitley Stadium, one thing is clear—when KL Rahul is in form, magic is inevitable. Stay tuned for more updates as the IPL 2025 season unfolds with thrilling encounters and standout performances.