KL Rahul’s IPL 2026 role sparks storm, DC told to resolve conflict: ‘Unclear whether he is happy in Delhi Capitals’

The former Chennai Super Kings has raised a key question ahead of IPL 2026, wondering whether KL Rahul is truly settled at Delhi Capitals.

Updated on: Mar 17, 2026, 16:50:18 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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KL Rahul continues to carry star value in the IPL even after falling out of India’s T20I plans. A dependable figure in ODIs and Tests, he has faced questions about his strike rate in the shortest format, which has affected how his IPL performances have been viewed in recent seasons. The former Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants captain has now taken up a role as a wicketkeeper-batter with the Delhi Capitals, without leadership duties, but his batting position last season became a major talking point. The wicketkeeper batter has often expressed his desire to get back into India's T20I side, and the upcoming season of IPL will be extremely crucial for him to present his case in front of selectors.

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

Meanwhile, former Chennai Super Kings batter Subramaniam Badrinath has raised a key question ahead of IPL 2026, wondering whether Rahul is truly settled at Delhi Capitals after being shuffled around the batting order last season.

"Every year, the batting order is their conundrum, especially where KL Rahul should bat. I believe KL Rahul wants to open the innings. But, on the other side, the team management wants him to bat in the middle order. This seems to be an ongoing conflict. They definitely have to solve this issue. It is unclear whether KL Rahul is happy in DC," Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.

Also Read - ‘RCB understood not to go behind MI’: Ambati Rayudu's stinging jibe at Virat Kohli’s IPL team sledging approach

Delhi missed out on a play-offs spot last season by a whisker after they finished 5th on the points table with 15 points. They lost momentum in the second half of the season, allowing the Mumbai Indians (16 points) to pip them in the final phase and finish in the top four.

"Axar Patel entering this IPL in red-hot form"

Meanwhile, Badrinath has backed Axar Patel’s leadership credentials ahead of IPL 2026, highlighting the all-rounder’s form and underlining the strength of Delhi Capitals’ pace attack as key factors that could shape their campaign.

"Axar Patel's captaincy has been good and he is entering this IPL in red-hot form. A captain coming into the tournament full of confidence is massive for a team. They have a very good fast-bowling unit with a fully fit Starc and Natarajan. Ngidi has been brilliant with his variations. These three, along with Mukesh, make them a formidable fast-bowling unit. DC are traditionally fast starters, but they have to maintain consistency and play well at the business end of the competition," said Badrinath.

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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