KL Rahul will win the Orange Cap in IPL 2026 if…: Ravichandran Ashwin makes bold claim
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Ravichandran Ashwin, the great Indian spinner, backed Delhi Capitals to open the innings with the Indian batter KL Rahul. He also backed him to grab the Orange Cap with the highest amount of runs in IPL 2026, if he is handed the opening spot by the Capitals.
Despite having played the entire IPL 2025 season as a middle-order batter except for a couple of innings towards the back end, KL Rahul amassed 500+ runs in the season and also smashed a stunning hundred, striking at nearly 150.
Several former players, cricket analysts, and more have backed him as the first-choice opener for the Capitals in the upcoming season. This decision has now been backed by Rahul's former teammate Ravichandran Ashwin.
"He will have the Orange Cap if he does," Ravichandran Ashwin's massive declaration around KL Rahul
Former Indian all-rounder and PBKS skipper Ravichandran Ashwin made a massive statement regarding former teammate KL Rahul. He firmly claimed that the 33-year-old veteran Indian batter is best suited for an opener's role.
DC had taken too much time to recognize the correct batter order the last time; hence, they could not use their players to the maximum of their potential. He has expressed his desire to witness KL Rahul open the innings alongside Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka.
"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," said Ravichandran Ashwin in a video on his YouTube channel.
"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.
However, Ashwin's demand does not seem to be the Capitals' exact plan, especially after they picked David Miller and Tristan Stubbs as the two overseas batters to strengthen their middle order. They will also have multiple overseas pacers in Mitchell Starc and World Cup hero Lungi Ngidi.
Ashwin backs Delhi Capitals' stunning bowling lineup
The former Delhi Capitals spinner, who played for them in past seasons, was in total awe of the Capitals' bowling lineup. They have had two of their best auctions in IPL history and picked a fine blend of talent and experience.
"Natarajan has dropped drastically in speed when I last saw him. Hopefully, he comes and delivers for them because he is a high-value pick. But even otherwise, they have a great bowling lineup," Ravichandran Ashwin pointed out the importance of pacer Natarajan in the XI.
"If Starc doesn't play, they have Lungi Ngidi. Mukesh Kumar has been bowling the yorkers brilliantly. Kuldeep Yadav had the ball on a string last season.
"He and Axar Patel are as solid Indian spinners as banks. Auqib Nabi should play and open the bowling with the new ball," added Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).
"DC have a good chance if they don't constantly change their 11." - Ravichandran Ashwin
The Delhi Capitals have several big names in their squad. They have the likes of Pathum Nissanka and Ben Duckett, overseas openers who might not get the opportunity to seal a spot in the playing XI. Also, spots for former seasons' stars like Vipraj Nigam and Abhishek Porel would be a tough nut to crack for the Capitals' head coach.
Especially in the bowling alley, the Capitals have an immense variety in both national and international options, which makes them the best side, yet they need to be managed carefully in order to finalize their place in the playoffs. Too many experiments can ruin the strength of their original playing XI
"DC have a good chance if they don't constantly change their 11. Despite having a strong squad, they've found the magic recipe to get knocked out. If they utilise their resources well, they can give even MI a run for their money. Such is the strength of DC's squad. But my prediction is they'll just about have a chance to qualify by stuttering through the season," said Ravichandran Ashwin
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IPL Ravichandran Ashwin Delhi Capitals KL Rahul Mitchell Starc Axar Patel Kuldeep Yadav T Natarajan Ashutosh SharmaAbout the Author
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