KL Rahul Becomes the Fastest Player to Reach 5,000 Runs in IPL History

KL Rahul’s 2025 IPL season just keeps getting better. The Delhi Capitals star continued his remarkable comeback story with yet another calm and composed knock – this time against his old team, Lucknow Super Giants.

With his unbeaten effort in a tricky 160-run chase, Rahul not only guided DC to an eight-wicket win, but also became the fastest batter in IPL history to score 5,000 runs. Rahul reached the landmark during his 51st run in Match 40 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium – poetically, against the team he used to captain. It took him just 130 innings to get there, surpassing David Warner, who held the previous record at 135 innings. He now joins an elite club of eight batters to have crossed the 5,000-run mark in IPL. Only legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, and AB de Villiers sit ahead of him on the all-time list. 

With his tally now at 5,006 runs, Rahul also overtook Chris Gayle and Robin Uthappa, who are just shy of the 5,000-run mark. And he’s doing it with style – Rahul averages a stunning 46.35 in the IPL and strikes at 135.70. His record includes four centuries and 40 half-centuries.  

Rahul’s IPL journey began with Royal Challengers Bengaluru back in 2013. He then turned out for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants before finding his way to Delhi Capitals in the 2025 mega auction for a hefty ₹14 crore. It’s safe to say, DC fans are getting their money’s worth. 

One of Rahul’s best seasons came in 2020, where he clinched the Orange Cap with 670 runs at an average of 55.83. But his latest innings against Lucknow might be among his most satisfying. Chasing a tricky total on a pitch where shot-making wasn’t easy, Rahul anchored the innings while others batted around him. Abishek Porel chipped in with a fluent half-century, but it was Rahul who kept the chase on track. Toward the end, he was joined by Axar Patel, and together, they steered Delhi home with ease. KL Rahul sealed the deal with a 42-ball 57*, capped off with a six to finish the match in the 18th over. 

For Rahul, this was more than just another fifty or another win – it was a statement. Against his former franchise, in front of a familiar crowd, he showed why he’s still one of the most dependable players in the IPL. And with Delhi Capitals looking like serious contenders, this knock couldn’t have come at a better time.