“ The Milestone I Would Love To Match With MS Dhoni Is His Five IPL Trophies ” – KL Rahul
JioHotstar Now Streaming Superstars Featuring KL Rahul
KL Rahul’s form at the top has been central to Delhi Capitals’ campaign in the TATA IPL 2026 as they push for a spot in the top four. Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Superstars’, DC wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul opened up about his special connection with the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, his performances against RCB, surpassing MS Dhoni on the TATA IPL leaderboard, and his role as an opener in modern-day T20 cricket.
Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Superstars’, Delhi Capitals’ KL Rahul opened up about his special connection with the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and his performances against RCB:
“There’s nothing different I do against RCB. I’ve thought about it a lot. If there is a mental switch, why can’t I use it against every team? I haven’t found an answer. But Chinnaswamy is very special to me. I grew up there as a kid, watching players and dreaming of playing on that ground. So, a psychological switch happens when I go there. It’s not just against RCB. I’ve done well in international games there too. Some stadiums just give you a good vibe and make you feel you’ll do well. I’m happy I’ve consistently performed against a top-quality, defending champion side like RCB. As an athlete, you want to challenge yourself and bring out your best against good teams. That’s when some switch turns on.”
On surpassing MS Dhoni on the TATA IPL run-scorers list:
“I didn’t even realise I had gone past Mahi bhai on the IPL’s all-time run-scorers list. Honestly, the milestone I would love to match with MS Dhoni is his five IPL trophies that he’s won with CSK. When you have a long career, personal achievements do feel special. They tell you that your hard work and sacrifices have paid off. But at the end of the day, cricket is a team sport. You want to win trophies. You want to be part of successful sides. That has always been my goal. Every season, I give my best to win the IPL, no matter which team I play for. That matters the most to me. Personal milestones are good. They reassure me that I am on the right track. But what would truly make me happy is winning as many trophies as MS Dhoni.”
On the rise of fearless young Indian batters:
“It’s phenomenal what the new-age cricketers are doing. Vaibhav Suryavanshi has taken world cricket by storm. Two centuries at the age of 15 is something I never even dreamt of doing. Ayush Mhatre has also done well, helping CSK score quick runs. The amount of talent coming up in India is scary, especially in T20 cricket. These fearless prodigies are changing the way T20s are played. They don’t fear reputations or match situations. Whether it’s a world-class bowler like Jasprit Bumrah or a seasoned campaigner like Pat Cummins, they go after every ball with the same intent. They don’t care if it’s the first over or the last.
They just see the ball and want to hit it out of the park. That kind of mindset is rare, and it’s exactly what modern T20 cricket demands. Five years ago, we weren’t producing as many six-hitting batters as England or Australia. Now, things have changed, thanks to the IPL. These guys grew up wanting to hit sixes. When we were young, we had to learn to defend and leave the ball. Hitting in the air meant sitting out of nets. It was a different time. These youngsters practice six-hitting constantly. That’s why they’re so good. I spoke to Abhishek Sharma recently. What I’ve learned is that their preparation gives them confidence. It all comes down to how hard they train. I’ve tried to bring that into my own game as well.”
On his long-time role as an opener and how stepping out of his comfort zone helped him grow:
“I enjoy the role of an opener in all formats. That’s what I have always done as a youngster growing up. In my younger days, playing junior cricket, and even when I started playing international cricket, I was always opening the batting. So, it is a position that I am very used to. It feels like known territory and a comfortable place. But yes, I have been shifted up and down the order. That has also helped me understand my game a lot better. It has helped me grow as a cricketer and as a person. When you are challenged, when you are put in difficult conditions, and when you are forced to get out of your comfort zone, you either come out a much better person, or you crumble. In my case, I found a way to always come out stronger and do what is required for the team.”
On the comfort of batting at the top of the order:
“Playing as an opening batter for Delhi Capitals makes my life a bit easier. Knowing that this is where I am going to bat, and that it is a permanent position, helps me prepare better. Of course, nothing is truly permanent in a team sport. Sometimes you have to shift up or down the order and be flexible in your mindset. But walking into the season knowing that this is where I will mostly start helps me find a clear game plan. It gives me clarity on what I need to do this season, and that has really helped me. I have always batted at the top of the order, at least in T20 cricket and the IPL. It is a position where I have spent a lot of time, so I know how to manage my game. I understand what kind of process I need to follow to help the team. It is a very comfortable role for me. I am happy that I am at the top.”
