KLassy Rahul: Top 10 IPL Knocks That Showcased KL Rahul’s Batting Brilliance

KL Rahul brings a rare blend of grace and grit to the IPL stage. Whether it’s anchoring an innings or accelerating with ease, Rahul’s flair has lit up stadiums across the country. As a captain, keeper, and opener, he’s been at the heart of many epic chases and high scores. Here are his 10 most brilliant IPL performances that defined his legacy.

1. 132* (69) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – IPL 2020 The highest individual score ever by an Indian in IPL.
   Rahul was in beast mode, dispatching everything short or full with disdain. He smashed 14 fours and 7 sixes, taking full advantage of two dropped chances. It was captaincy and carnage rolled into one elite knock.
2. 100* (63) vs Mumbai Indians – IPL 2022 Perfectly paced — from elegance to aggression.
   Rahul crafted a beautiful century while opening for Lucknow Super Giants. He guided the innings with calculated risk, hitting boundaries in clusters and never letting MI settle. It was KL at his technical best.
3. 95 (70) vs Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2020 Almost a ton, all class.
   Rahul stitched a crucial partnership, carried the innings deep, and accelerated when needed. Though he fell short of a century, his control over the game ensured Kings XI Punjab posted a strong total.
4. 91 (50) vs Mumbai Indians – IPL 2018 A powerplay assault for the ages.
   Rahul tore apart MI’s opening bowlers, including Bumrah and McClenaghan. He timed everything sweetly and almost pulled off a massive chase. It showed he could switch from stylish to savage in seconds.
5. 89* (62) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – IPL 2021 The perfect anchor job in a tricky chase.
   KL paced the chase to perfection, never panicking under scoreboard pressure. His clean running and placement made the difference, finishing unbeaten in a tight finish. Classic Rahul calmness.
6. 84 (51) vs Chennai Super Kings – IPL 2020 Counterattacking the kings of pressure.
   CSK bowled tight lines but Rahul found his rhythm. His lofted drives and powerful flicks were picture-perfect, as he dismantled their middle-overs attack and led Punjab to a memorable win.
7. 77 (51) vs Delhi Capitals – IPL 2023 In command even as wickets fell around him.
   Rahul held one end while others struggled on a tough surface. His ability to adapt to slow pitches and still strike at over 150 made this knock one for the tacticians. A captain's effort in all sense.
8. 71* (53) vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2019 Composure under lights at Eden Gardens.
   In a tight chase, Rahul used the big ground cleverly — hitting gaps, converting ones into twos, and finishing it off with a flourish. It was a mature knock, with zero risks and maximum rewards.
9. 66 (29) vs Delhi Capitals – IPL 2018 Fastest IPL fifty at the time — in just 14 balls!
   Rahul launched an insane assault, smashing the fastest-ever half-century by an Indian in IPL. Pulls, scoops, and fearless lofts — DC bowlers were spectators to a KL special.
10. 61* (49) vs Gujarat Titans – IPL 2022 Steady in stormy conditions.
    Against Rashid Khan and a potent GT attack, Rahul anchored LSG’s innings with calm. He played the field, picked his bowlers, and calmly walked off with another match-winning half-century.

Conclusion

KL Rahul’s IPL career is a masterclass in elegance and control. Whether playing for Punjab or Lucknow, he has been the cornerstone of his team's batting order. These 10 innings showcase not only his consistency but also his ability to rise to the occasion. Rahul’s bat doesn’t just score runs — it makes a statement.

*Disclaimer: This article is fan-curated and based on public match data up to IPL 2025. All stats are sourced from official IPL archives and Cricinfo.