Rahul hits a powerful fifty on his birthdayImage Credit source: PTI
Many times, how a team or a player starts the IPL season does not matter much. It is more important whether that team or player continues it or makes changes as per the need. Delhi Capitals’ star opener KL Rahul falls in the second category, for whom the start of IPL 2026 was not good but then this batsman has made a strong comeback and now scored a strong half-century on his birthday itself.
Saturday, April 18 was not only the 19th birthday of IPL, but also of one of the most successful batsmen of this league. KL Rahul It was also his birthday. IPL fans did not get to see an explosive match like its first match on the league’s birthday, but Rahul definitely made his birthday special, that too at his home ground M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Second consecutive half-century in Chinnaswamy
Rahul, who was opening for Delhi Capitals in the match played against Royal Challengers Bangalore, scored a tremendous half-century. In response to the target of 176 runs set by Bengaluru, Delhi lost 3 wickets for just 18 runs in the first 3 overs. But in such a situation, instead of coming under pressure, Rahul launched a counter-attack, which included 2 fours and 1 six in Josh Hazlewood’s over.
This attacking style of Rahul made his team comeback. Rahul himself celebrated his birthday by completing a half-century in 30 balls. This was his second consecutive half-century against RCB at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. This was the second half-century in 5 matches for Rahul, who started this season with scores like 0 and 1. Earlier, he had also played an inning of 92 runs against Gujarat Titans.
Kohli broke Rahul’s heart
But when it seemed that Rahul would once again lead Delhi to victory against his old team on his home ground like last season, his hopes were dashed. Rahul was shocked by his own special friend and RCB star Virat Kohli. Kohli took an excellent diving catch on Krunal Pandya’s ball while running a long run from the long-off boundary and ended Rahul’s strong innings of 57 runs in 34 balls, which included 6 fours and 2 sixes.
