KL Rahul's IPL Record 152: Highest by Indian, Sixth All-Time—But Delhi Falls to Punjab Kings Chase

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif said KL Rahul “must be shattered” after Delhi Capitals suffered defeat despite Rahul producing one of the finest innings in Indian Premier League history. Rahul’s unbeaten 152 powered Delhi Capitals to a massive total of 264, but Punjab Kings stunned the hosts by completing the highest successful run chase in IPL history. The result turned a record-breaking personal performance into a painful team loss.

Kaif praised Rahul’s innings as “vintage” and said it displayed both elegance and aggression in equal measure. Rahul dominated bowlers across all areas of the ground, striking through the covers, pulling with authority, and lofting straight down the ground. He remained unbeaten till the end, carrying Delhi’s innings with remarkable control and intent. Cricket analysts widely viewed the knock as one of the standout batting displays of the season.

Rahul’s 152 not out came off 67 balls and became the highest individual IPL score by an Indian batter. He surpassed previous Indian records and also registered the fastest century for Delhi Capitals in the tournament. The innings further strengthened Rahul’s reputation as one of the league’s most consistent top-order batters. He also became the only player in IPL history to score multiple centuries for three different franchises.

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Despite Rahul’s heroics, Punjab Kings chased down the 265-run target with six wickets in hand, highlighting the increasingly aggressive nature of modern T20 cricket. Their batting unit attacked throughout the innings and denied Delhi any chance of regaining control. The successful chase kept Punjab unbeaten in the competition and added another historic moment to their campaign.

Kaif said the defeat would likely hurt Rahul more than the milestone itself, reflecting the harsh reality of team sport where individual brilliance does not always guarantee victory. While the innings will be remembered for years, the result ensured mixed emotions for the Delhi batter. For Delhi Capitals, the match served as a reminder that even extraordinary totals are no longer safe in the IPL.

Rahul also climbed the all-time IPL run charts with the innings, overtaking MS Dhoni to move into sixth place overall. His latest performance reaffirmed his value as a run-scorer and leader under pressure. Yet on a day of personal triumph, it was the Punjab Kings who celebrated the larger prize — two points and a place in IPL history.

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