KL Rahul’s Orange Cap push hinges on key batting reshuffle as Delhi Capitals told to do basic things in IPL 2026

Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his support behind KL Rahul, saying he could have a big season if promoted to the top of the order.

Updated on: Mar 27, 2026, 20:59:04 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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KL Rahul has long been regarded as one of the most dependable performers in the IPL, consistently delivering runs regardless of the franchise he represents. Over the years, he has been a pillar at the top of the order, combining composure with the ability to anchor an innings. However, the past couple of seasons have brought increased scrutiny, particularly around his strike rate, with questions raised about his approach in a format that demands constant acceleration.

It is unclear where KL Rahul will bat in IPL 2026. (IPL/BCCI)

The pressure has only intensified with Rahul being out of India’s T20I plans for nearly three to four years. His last appearance came during the 2022 T20 World Cup, and since then, he has been on the outside looking in, aiming to regain his place in the shortest format setup. Last season, Rahul made a conscious effort to address the criticism by adopting a more attacking style. The change was evident in his returns, as he scored 539 runs in 13 matches at an impressive average of 53.90, striking at 149.72. His tally included a century and three half-centuries, signalling a shift in intent while retaining his consistency.

Meanwhile, seasoned Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his support behind the Delhi Capitals batter, saying he could have a big season if promoted to the top of the order. Ashwin also felt that a move to open the innings could put him in contention for the Orange Cap.

"There was a match against CSK, where KL Rahul played an exceptional knock on a two-paced pitch. Yet, they never opened with him again for a while after that. Make sure he opens this season. He will have the Orange Cap if he does. Have Pathum Nissanka open with him at the top. Just do these basic things and leave it to the players," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

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“Can impact the team in unimaginable ways”

Ashwin offered a candid take on support staff influence, stressing that too many interventions can end up hurting both individual players and the team setup.

"By trying to do too much as a support staff, you can impact the team in unimaginable ways. Ashutosh Sharma produced one amazing knock, but it felt like he never played after that. Suddenly, Sameer Rizvi played a game," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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