Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper KL Rahul has reached new heights as a batter in Indian Premier League (IPL). Rahul has become the first batter in the history of the league to score more than 500 runs in five consecutive seasons.
Rahul set the new record with a half-century against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on May 18. The LSG opener played second fiddle to Quinton de Kock, who massacred the KKR bowling lineup in the latter’s must-win encounter.
Rahul equalled Punjab Kings (PBKS) opener Shikhar Dhawan and former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli on the list of most IPL seasons with 500-plus runs. Only Delhi Capitals (DC) opener David Warner has breached the 500-run mark in six seasons.
Rahul's tally of runs in previous four seasons -
659 runs in IPL 2018
593 runs in IPL 2019
670 runs in IPL 2020
626 runs in IPL 2021
Rahul remained unbeaten for 68 off 51 deliveries which included three fours and four sixes. He shared an unbeaten 210-run partnership which is now the highest opening stand in the history of IPL. The LSG duo broke former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) openers Jonny Bairstow and David Warner's record of 185 which they created in 2019 edition of the league.
Rahul is currently second in the orange cap race, behind Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Jos Buttler. While Rahul has 537 runs from 14 innings at an average of 48.82, Buttler has 627 runs from 13 innings at an average of 52.25. De Kock is breathing down his teammate’s neck with a whirlwind 140 to breach the 500-run mark in the ongoing season.
