Delhi Capitals opening batter KL Rahul has smacked a sensational century, his first of the season, against his former franchise Punjab Kings in match number 35 of the 2026 Indian Premier League under the scorching sun at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The National capital outfit needed their most experienced batter to fire on all cylinders and that has happened today. KL Rahul brought up his full-century off just 47 balls to get the Delhi Capitals off to a perfect start.
The Capitals know that they need to post a total, at least in the region of 230-240 against this daunting and in form Punjab batting line-up.
Punjab has previously chased down targets of 210 and 220 against the Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Moreover, the surface in the Arun Jaitley Stadium heavily favours the batters and the ground dimensions are also very short. And that's why KL Rahul's knock holds so much significance as it helped Delhi put up a fighting total.
The 34-year-old's knock was also special because it came under the scorching sun in New Delhi, where temperatures are currently rising over 40 Degrees. To be able to stick to the crease, that too with an aggressive intent, is not an easy task.
Rahul opened the innings with Pathum Nissanka, who got out for 11, but later found the support of number 3 batter and local boy Nitish Rana, who scored his 2nd half-century in Delhi Capitals colours.
Rana and Rahul combined to formulate a scintillating 219-run partnership, the highest ever in Delhi's history in the IPL. After taking a bit of time to settle in, both Rahul and Rana accelerated their innings and smacked the bowlers all over the park at strike rates of over 200 respectively.
KL Rahul got to his century within 47 balls but Nitish Rana fell a bit out of luck, departing for 91 off 44 in the 19th over. The left-hander's knock included 11 fours and 4 sixes.
Delhi were 248 at the time of Rana's departure and Rahul later added 16 more runs to post a mammoth 264 runs on the board. The Indian wicket-keeper remained not out at 152 off 67 at a strike rate of 226, smashing 16 fours and 9 sixes.
Punjab's response has also started positively and at the time of writing, they were 43/0 after 2.3 overs.
