KL Rahul carved out a landmark performance during the 2025 IPL clash between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), leaving a trail of broken records in his wake. Facing his former franchise for the first time, Rahul delivered a calm and composed unbeaten half-century that not only powered Delhi to an emphatic eight-wicket victory but also secured his place in IPL history .
Rahul’s Commanding Knock
DC chased a target of 160 in the high-stakes match on April 22 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. After the early dismissal of Karun Nair (15 off 9), Rahul walked in at number three and stitched crucial partnerships to stabilize the innings. The 33-year-old first shared a 79-run stand with Abhishek Porel, who contributed a fluent 51 off 36 balls. Later, Rahul and Axar Patel (34* off 20) took the Capitals home with an unbeaten 56-run partnership, sealing the win with 13 balls remaining.
Rahul’s third half-century of the season, which he achieved while batting in a variety of positions in away games, came from 57 off 42 deliveries.
Fastest to 5000 IPL Runs
Rahul became the fastest hitter in IPL history to reach the 5000-run mark thanks to his calm innings. In just 130 innings, he achieved this achievement, breaking the previous record of 135 innings established by David Warner in 2020. This historic achievement puts him ahead of IPL stalwarts like Virat Kohli (157 innings), AB de Villiers (161), and Shikhar Dhawan (168).
Fastest to 5000 IPL Runs:
| Player | Innings | Year |
|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | 130 | 2025 |
| David Warner | 135 | 2020 |
| Virat Kohli | 157 | 2019 |
| AB de Villiers | 161 | 2021 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 168 | 2020 |
Leading the Pack in Averages
With more than 5000 IPL runs, Rahul also has the highest batting average of any player. His career average stands at a remarkable 46.35 — the only player in this elite club to average above 45. David Warner follows with an average of 40.25. While Rahul’s strike rate of 135.70 places him fifth among the 5000-run scorers, it highlights his ability to balance consistency with aggression.
Best Averages Among Players With 5000+ IPL Runs:
| Player | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | 5006 | 46.35 | 135.70 |
| David Warner | 6565 | 40.25 | 139.77 |
| AB de Villiers | 5162 | 39.70 | 151.68 |
| Virat Kohli | 8326 | 39.27 | 132.27 |
| MS Dhoni | 5377 | 38.96 | 137.87 |
A Record-Breaking Career
Rahul’s achievement against LSG adds to a growing list of accolades. Already, he has accumulated 3500, 4000, and 4500 runs more quickly than any other player in IPL history. Additionally, he was the second-fastest to cross the 3000-run mark, only trailing the legendary Chris Gayle.
Over the years, Rahul has represented several IPL franchises. After stints with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru early in his career, he made a mark at Punjab Kings (PBKS), where he also served as captain. From 2022 to 2024, he was the face of LSG, leading them with distinction before making the move to Delhi Capitals in 2025 — a transition that has already proven fruitful for both player and franchise.
Conclusion
KL Rahul’s latest masterclass is not just a statistical triumph but also a testament to his evolving stature in T20 cricket. His ability to adapt, lead, and perform under pressure continues to set him apart in the IPL. As the tournament progresses, fans can only expect more milestones from the elegant right-hander.
