He is looking to attack in the Powerplay

After the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) win in their IPL 2026 clash against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), former India player Suresh Raina has lauded KL Rahul for playing with an improved strike rate this season. He pointed out that the DC opener is looking to maximize the Poweplay overs.

RR posted 225/6 after opting to bat first in the 43rd game of IPL 2026 in Jaipur on Friday, May 1. Rahul scored 75 runs off 40 deliveries in the chase to help DC achieve the target with seven wickets and five balls to spare.

During a discussion on JioHotstar, Raina noted that Rahul is trying to bat aggressively in the Powerplay in IPL 2026.

“The strike rate has become excellent. He is looking to attack in the Powerplay. He hit a six at midwicket against Jofra Archer. He looked to time the ball. He hit sixes against Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Bishnoi while standing in his position,” he said.

The former India all-rounder added that Rahul and the other DC batters also attacked the RR spinners in the middle overs.

“Riyan Parag was talking about their spinners conceding a lot of runs in the middle overs. Delhi’s plan was to attack in the middle. He virtually finishes the game whenever he plays. It was a masterclass chase by Delhi,” Raina observed.

Raina highlighted that Rahul targeted the straight boundaries and rotated the strike very well.

“If you see his wagon wheel, he looks to hit straight more. He hits sixes while standing in his position. He reads the situation and makes his game plan. He was running very well between the wickets. He was running two runs, and he played very few dot balls,” he elaborated.

KL Rahul’s 75-run knock in DC’s IPL 2026 clash against RR was studded with six fours and five sixes. He struck two sixes off Ravi Bishnoi’s bowling and hit a six each against Jofra Archer, Ravindra Jadeja, and Nandre Burger.

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“His intent is very different” – Suresh Raina on the reason behind KL Rahul’s improved strike rate in IPL 2026

In the same discussion, Suresh Raina was asked about the reason behind KL Rahul’s improved strike rate in IPL 2026.

“I feel his intent is very different. He plays cricketing shots. If you have the right intent, you react to the ball. You play cricketing shots if it’s a good ball, and you play good shots if it’s in your arc. KL Rahul plays shots in all four directions, no matter who is bowling,” he responded.

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that the DC wicketkeeper-batter has a clear mindset and isn’t playing premeditated shots.

“There is a lot of responsibility of this batting unit on you. The thought process is absolutely clear. He is just looking to react to the ball. A player like KL Rahul never plays pre-planned shots. He was trying to play paddle shots and different shots earlier. He has opened himself up a little this time and is playing shots towards cover,” Raina observed.

KL Rahul is the current Orange Cap holder in IPL 2026. The right-handed batter has amassed 433 runs at an average of 54.13 and a strike rate of 185.83 in nine innings.