IPL 2026: ‘He can take on any bowler’ – Ambati Rayudu lauds KL Rahul’s aggressive approach against Bishnoi

KL Rahul (Photo Source: IPL)

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has been impressed with KL Rahul’s mindset and approach, particularly his aggressive intent against Ravi Bishnoi during Delhi Capitals’ win over Rajasthan Royals on May 1.

Rahul, who had struggled against Bishnoi in the IPL with just eight runs off 12 balls prior to this match, turned the tables in style. Chasing a daunting 226, he took on his former Lucknow Super Giants teammate, smashing 26 runs off just nine deliveries, including two fours and two sixes.

“He [Rahul] has always had the game. He can take on any bowler at any time; it is just his mindset. Today we have seen a very, very good approach to his batting. He went through a couple of shots against Bishnoi because he was sure that Bishnoi had the pace, and he could just stand in the crease and still go through with the shot,” said Rayudu as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“That shot was still not on, a slightly good-length or short-of-a-length ball, which he hit straight for six. That shows that the wicket was good, and also KL’s confidence in his batting and a change in the way he generally bats. These are the balls that he generally does not take in and it is a great sign that he is taking on these lengths and deliveries against spin. That is why we are seeing him play at such higher strike-rates in this tournament compared to few other seasons,” he added.

Rahul scored 75 off 40 balls, striking at 187.50. He is currently the leading run-scorer in the tournament, with 433 runs in nine innings, including three fifties and a century. In the current season, his strike rate of 185.83 was standing out which is comfortably the best of his IPL career.

“The strike rate was a big talking point for a few years. That’s something that I’ve really worked on. I’m happy that I’ve worked on that and I’m doing what’s required for the team, number one, and doing what modern T20 cricket requires. And yeah, that’s something that’s pleasing for me,” said Rahul after the match.

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