KL Rahul Breaks Kohli T20 Record IPL 2025
In a high-stakes IPL 2025 clash between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, KL Rahul etched his name in cricketing history by surpassing Virat Kohli to become the fastest Indian to reach 8000 T20 runs. His stunning century not only lifted Delhi Capitals to a commanding total but also marked a personal milestone of global significance.
Here’s a detailed look at KL Rahul’s remarkable achievement and his T20 and IPL legacy.
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1. KL Rahul’s Record-Breaking Moment in IPL 2025
KL Rahul reached the 8000-run mark in T20 cricket during his knock against Gujarat Titans. The moment came when he reached 33 runs in the match, surpassing Virat Kohli’s record of reaching the landmark in 243 innings. Rahul achieved the feat in just 224 innings, establishing himself as one of the fastest batters in T20 history.
2. Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans: Match Overview
The match, held on May 18, 2025, saw Delhi Capitals batting first. KL Rahul opened the innings alongside Faf du Plessis and played a captain’s knock under pressure. His unbeaten 112 off 65 deliveries helped DC post a challenging total of 199/3 in 20 overs. Despite Rahul’s heroics, DC succumbed to a 10-wicket defeat as GT chased the target without losing a wicket.
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3. KL Rahul’s Century: A Batting Masterclass
KL Rahul’s innings was a blend of timing, placement, and power. He scored 112* runs at a strike rate of 172.31, hitting 14 fours and 4 sixes. It was his fifth century in IPL history, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best top-order batters in the league.
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4. Fastest to 8000 Runs in T20s: KL Rahul Among the Elite
With this feat, KL Rahul became the third-fastest player globally to reach 8000 T20 runs. Here’s a look at the list:
Player Innings to 8000 T20 Runs
Chris Gayle 213 innings
Babar Azam 218 innings
KL Rahul 224 innings
Virat Kohli 243 innings
Mohammad Rizwan 244 innings
Rahul’s rapid rise to this milestone highlights his consistency and adaptability across all T20 leagues and international matches.
5. KL Rahul’s IPL Career So Far
Since making his IPL debut in 2013, KL Rahul has evolved into one of the league’s most dependable performers. Here’s a glance at his IPL career statistics:
• Matches Played: 143
• Total Runs: 5176
• Centuries: 5
• Half-Centuries: 40
• Fours: 444
• Sixes: 207
• Catches: 84
Rahul’s elegance and aggression have made him a fan favorite, and his ability to anchor the innings or accelerate when needed has made him invaluable to every franchise he has played for.
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6. A Stellar Season in IPL 2025
The ongoing season has seen KL Rahul shine in his new role with Delhi Capitals. His current performance in IPL 2025 is among the best by any batter this season:
• Matches Played: 11
• Runs Scored: 493
• Average: 61.63
• 50s: 4
• 100s: 1
• Highest Score: 112*
• Fours: 44
• Sixes: 20
This purple patch has been instrumental in keeping DC competitive in a tightly contested IPL 2025 season.
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7. KL Rahul’s T20 International Journey
KL Rahul made his T20I debut for India in 2016 and quickly established himself as a mainstay in the national team. Although he hasn’t played for India in T20s since the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final, his domestic and IPL performances continue to make a strong case for a comeback.
• T20I Matches: 72
• Runs: 2265
• Strike Rate: 139+
• Average: ~37
Whether as an opener or middle-order stabilizer, Rahul has consistently delivered for India and his franchises.
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8. KL Rahul vs Virat Kohli: A New Chapter
Virat Kohli is often regarded as one of the greatest T20 batters of all time, and KL Rahul surpassing his record marks a significant moment in Indian cricket. While Kohli has the edge in longevity and global stardom, Rahul’s speed in reaching the 8000-run mark underlines his quiet dominance in the shortest format.
This milestone does not diminish Kohli’s legacy but certainly enhances Rahul’s stature and opens debates about the best Indian batter in T20 history.
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9. The Importance of Consistency in T20 Cricket
T20 cricket is often seen as a format that rewards explosive batting, but KL Rahul’s journey proves the value of consistency and intelligent play. His ability to construct innings, shift gears, and bat through 20 overs makes him one of the most complete batters in modern-day cricket.
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10. Conclusion: KL Rahul’s Legacy Grows Stronger
KL Rahul’s historic milestone in the match against Gujarat Titans is more than just a number—it’s a testament to his skill, perseverance, and consistency across formats and conditions. As he continues to lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how far he can take his team—and how much higher he can rise in the record books.
For Indian cricket and T20 fans globally, KL Rahul’s rise adds another chapter to the evolving landscape of modern batting legends.
