New role confirmed for KL Rahul at Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2026: Reports

KL Rahul is all set to explode back into the spotlight after missing India’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumph at home. With the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) just around the corner, KL Rahul is gearing up for a massive comeback and that too in a new role.

In his debut season for Delhi Capitals in 2025, Rahul played in the middle order and smashed 371 runs in 10 innings at a stunning average of 53 and strike rate of 146.06. Even in an unfamiliar role, he looked solid and dangerous, but the Capitals kept struggling at the top.

With Faf du Plessis, Abhisek Porel, and Jake Fraser-McGurk failed to deliver consistently, and the team lost momentum. Then came the turning point when Rahul moved up to open, and he delivered a blockbuster knock of an unbeaten 112 off just 65 balls against Gujarat Titans.

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Delhi Capitals locks KL Rahul as opener and wicketkeeper for IPL 2026

Now, DC doesn't want experiments, and they are now seeing Rahul at the top is their biggest weapon for the upcoming IPL 2026. The franchise wants Rahul to start the innings and build the game from ball one. His experience, calm mindset, and ability to control pace make him the perfect choice.

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As reported by the Times of India, the Delhi Capitals have locked Rahul as their main opener for the entire 2026 season. Additionally, the right-handed batter will take charge behind the stumps as the first-choice wicketkeeper for the Capitals in the upcoming season.

Too many options, big selection headache for DC

However, the team has too many options at the top of the batting order. Ben Duckett brings fearless left-handed attacking cricket. Pathum Nissanka comes with solid form and consistency. Then there is Prithvi Shaw, who is always dangerous if he finds rhythm.

Abishek Porel is already a key player for DC. Too many options can become a big headache for the Capitals, and they are yet to finalize Rahul’s partner.

Notably, Rahul has amassed 5222 runs at an average of 46.21 across 145 IPL matches in his career. Since making his IPL debut in 2013, the Karnataka star has represented Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Delhi Capitals (DC) in the tournament so far.

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KL Rahul not happy with Delhi Capitals?

Meanwhile, former Indian bowler Subramaniam Badrinath has raised doubts about whether Rahul is fully happy at Delhi Capitals ahead of the upcoming season.

Badrinath said on his YouTube channel: “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.”