MI vs DC: KL Rahul Joins Elite IPL Club with 500+ Runs Milestone Despite Early Dismissal
In a gripping encounter at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, the clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday witnessed a bittersweet moment for DC’s star batter KL Rahul. Although Rahul failed to replicate his scintillating form from the previous match—an unbeaten century against Gujarat Titans—he managed just 11 runs off 16 balls before falling to MI’s pace spearhead Trent Boult. Yet, this minor setback did little to overshadow a monumental achievement in his illustrious IPL career.
Rahul’s brief stint at the crease came to an end in the third over of DC’s challenging 181-run chase. Boult, with his trademark precision, delivered a full, angled delivery just outside off stump. Rahul, attempting an aggressive stroke, stepped out but lost his shape as one hand slipped off the bat handle. The result? A thick edge that flew to Ryan Rickelton, who completed a sharp low catch to send the DC opener packing. It was an uncharacteristic dismissal for a batter known for his composure and elegance, leaving fans and pundits alike surprised.
However, even this subdued performance couldn’t dim the shine of Rahul’s season-long brilliance. With those 11 runs, the right-handed maestro took his tally to 504 runs in 12 matches in the ongoing IPL campaign, boasting an impressive average of 56.00 and a blistering strike rate of 148.67. This milestone marks the seventh time Rahul has crossed the coveted 500-run mark in a single IPL season, placing him in an elite club alongside Australian legend David Warner, who also has seven such seasons under his belt.
Only one batter stands ahead of them in this illustrious list—Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s talisman Virat Kohli, who has achieved this feat a staggering eight times, including in the current edition of the tournament. Rahul’s consistency over the years is a testament to his adaptability and skill, having played pivotal roles for multiple franchises, including Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, before donning the DC jersey.
As the IPL continues to unfold, KL Rahul’s achievement serves as a reminder of his enduring class in the high-octane T20 format. While his early exit against MI might have disappointed fans, his season stats and historical records speak volumes about his stature in the league. Can he surpass Kohli’s record in the coming years? Only time will tell, but for now, Rahul remains a cornerstone of Indian cricket and a key asset for DC in their quest for the IPL title.