Live IPL T20: Delhi Capitals (DC) secured a 25-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 17th match of the Indian Premier League on April 5 (Saturday). The clash took place at CSK’s fortress, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Batting first, DC posted a solid total of 183/6, thanks to a composed 77 off 51 balls from KL Rahul. In response, CSK managed 158/5, falling short despite a fighting 69-run knock from Vijay Shankar.
Rahul, who was named Player of the Match, looked in sublime touch throughout the innings. Following the game, he spoke to DC mentor Kevin Pietersen about the evolving nature of T20 cricket, emphasizing how the format now revolves around boundary-hitting. He also touched on his recent training sessions with coach Abhishek Nayar and his approach to white-ball cricket.
KL Rahul: “T20 cricket is all about boundaries now”
After leading Delhi Capitals to a 25-run win over Chennai Super Kings with a match-winning 77, KL Rahul opened up about his resurgence and evolving mindset in T20 cricket.
“I worked really hard on my game over the past year,” Rahul said in a post-match chat. “Shout out to Abhishek Nayar – I’ve spent countless hours with him working on my white-ball game and figuring out how to improve. His inputs have been invaluable.”
Speaking on how the T20 format has transformed, Rahul said,
“T20 cricket has changed. It’s only about hitting boundaries now. The team that hits more sixes or boundaries usually ends up winning the game.”
Rahul also shed light on his current approach at the crease:
“I’m back to enjoying my game without overthinking. I’m not focused on taking it deep anymore. I just see the ball, play aggressively, and look to put pressure on the bowler. And most importantly, I’m enjoying hitting boundaries again.”
KL Rahul on Batting Position Shuffle: “I’m Just Trying to Adapt and Enjoy My Batting”
Following his match-winning knock of 77 against CSK, Delhi Capitals’ stand-in opener KL Rahul opened up about his shifting role in the team and how he’s been adapting mentally.
“I was honestly prepping to play at the top of the order before the IPL started,” Rahul revealed at the post-match press conference. “Just a week before the tournament, I had a chat with the coach who asked me to bat at No. 4, since one of our senior players didn’t turn up. So, I said okay. Not much I could do — just take on the role, go out there, and enjoy my batting.”
Rahul, who returned to the top of the order in this match, admitted it felt more natural to him.
“I was happy to get an opportunity today to open again. It’s more mental — about routine and process. When you’re used to walking in at a certain stage, your body adjusts to that pattern,” he explained.
“But when I’m going up and down the order, I feel a bit unsettled walking in. It takes me a few minutes to get into the zone. That’s been the most challenging part. Once I get past those initial nerves, it’s just bat and ball again.”
