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Axar Patel Confirms KL Rahul as Delhi Capitals Opener for IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel has clarified that KL Rahul will return to his preferred opening role for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Patel explained that Rahul's middle-order placement last year was a tactical move due to the team's composition involving foreign top-order players. The captain emphasized that Rahul's historical excellence as an opener, with over 4,400 runs at that position, provides the strong starts crucial in T20 cricket. This strategic shift aims to stabilize the top order and ease pressure on the middle-order batsmen.

Key Points: Axar Patel: KL Rahul to Open for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026

  • Rahul to open in IPL 2026
  • Moved last year for team balance
  • Strong opener stats: 4,418 runs
  • Good start eases middle-order pressure
  • Among IPL's elite opening batters
2 min read

"We will keep him as an opener," Axar Patel speaks on KL Rahul's batting position in IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel explains KL Rahul's middle-order role last season and confirms his return as a permanent opener for IPL 2026.

"So, I think till now, we will keep him as an opener. - Axar Patel"

New Delhi, March 23

Ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League, Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel explained that KL Rahul batted in the middle order last year due to the team's composition, which included two foreign top-order players.

He emphasised that Rahul has historically excelled as an opener and believes that giving him a top-order slot will provide strong starts in T20 matches, easing the role for the middle-order batters.

IPL is set to kick off from March 28, while Delhi Capitals will start their campaign with a match against LSG on April 1 in Lucknow.

"Last year, he was playing in the middle order because of our team combination. The players we had there were two foreign players, who could play in the top order, and, if you make foreign players play in the middle order, then teams use spin more," Patel told the reporters.

"So, because of this, we used KL Rahul in the middle order last year. He has always been good, in the opening slot, he has made a lot of runs. And if you get a good start in T20 cricket, then it becomes easier for the ones at the back. So, I think till now, we will keep him as an opener," he added.

Rahul is among just the six batters in IPL history with 4,000-plus runs as an opening batter. He boasts 4,418 runs from 103 matches in this regard at 49.64 (SR: 138.14). Shikhar Dhawan (6,362), David Warner (5,910), Virat Kohli (5,009), Chris Gayle (4,480), and du Plessis (4,004) are the other members on this list.

Last season, Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk opened the innings in the first half of the tournament. Rahul, who batted in the middle order in the first half of the season, later returned as an opener after Fraser-McGurk's lean patch with the bat.

Though the Capitals could not qualify for the playoffs, Rahul played some stunning knocks at the top.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this is the right call. You play your best players in their best positions. Axar's explanation about foreign players and spin makes tactical sense, but you can't keep a proven match-winner like Rahul out of his natural slot for too long.
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Rohit P
Good move, but the real question is who will partner him? And what about the middle order now? Last year's team balance was off. Just putting Rahul back to open won't solve all problems. Need a solid Indian core in the middle too. #DelhiCapitals
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Priya S
Absolutely the correct decision! He was looking so uncomfortable down the order. When he opened later in the season, you could see the difference in his intent and flow. Hope he carries this form into the T20 World Cup later this year as well. 🇮🇳
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Michael C
Respectfully, while I agree Rahul is best as an opener, I'm not fully convinced by Axar's reasoning. It sounds like last year's strategy wasn't fully thought through. A captain and management should have a clearer, longer-term plan for their key Indian players.
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Ananya R
Stats don't lie! 4400+ runs as an opener at that strike rate is phenomenal. He's in that elite list for a reason. Delhi's fortunes this season depend heavily on him giving them those explosive starts. Can't wait for the season to begin! 🏏

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