KL Rahul, a dependable figure in ODIs and Tests, continues to carry star value in the IPL despite being out of India’s T20I plans. The former Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants captain has now taken on a role as a wicketkeeper-batter with the Delhi Capitals. However, questions about his strike rate in T20s have affected how his IPL performances are perceived. Ahead of IPL 2026, there are concerns about Rahul’s batting position and whether he is truly settled at Delhi Capitals after being shuffled around the order last season.
Former Chennai Super Kings batter Subramaniam Badrinath has raised doubts about Rahul’s happiness at Delhi Capitals, questioning the ongoing conflict between his desire to open the innings and the team management’s preference for him to bat in the middle order. Delhi Capitals missed out on a playoffs spot last season by finishing 5th on the points table. Badrinath also praised Axar Patel’s leadership credentials and highlighted Delhi Capitals’ strong pace attack as key factors for their campaign in IPL 2026.
Badrinath believes Patel’s red-hot form and the pace bowling unit comprising of Starc, Natarajan, Ngidi, and Mukesh make Delhi Capitals a formidable team. Maintaining consistency and performing well in the crucial stages of the competition will be vital for their success in the upcoming season.
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