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KL Rahul's Record-Breaking Century in Vain as Gujarat Titans Crush Delhi
In an incredible exhibition of batting skill in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Gujarat Titans (GT) on Sunday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, KL Rahul inscribed himself in the record books of T20. The fashionable right-hander broke Virat Kohli's record for a long time to become the quickest Indian to score 8000 runs in the shortest version of the game, and he did it in just 224 innings. Kohli earlier held the record, doing it in 243 innings.
Rahul Fastest Indian to 8000 T20 Runs, Third Globally
Following Pakistani batsman Babar Azam (218 innings) and cricket great Chris Gayle (213 innings), the achievement by Rahul ranks him third on the global list of fastest batsmen to 8000 T20 runs. The achievement reflects Rahul's consistency and explosiveness at the top order, which he has maintained constantly throughout his T20 career, both at the international and other franchise leagues.
The record was broken during Rahul's iconic innings when he was playing as an opener for the Delhi Capitals. Needing 33 runs to surpass Kohli, he did so in style, displaying his class and composure in pressure situations. This record was achieved en route to an excellent, match-winning century without loss, his fifth in the IPL, that steadied the Delhi Capitals' innings.
Rahul is the first IPL player to achieve a century with three franchises, adding more feathers to his cap following his success with the Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants.
It is a rare achievement that showcases his ability and willingness to perform well in different team environments.
Match Summary:
Delhi Capitals: 199/3 (20 overs)
- KL Rahul: 112* (65 balls, 14 fours, 4 sixes)
- Faf du Plessis: 45 (38 balls, 6 fours, 1 six)
- Axar Patel: 20* (10 balls, 2 fours, 1 six)
Gujarat Titans: 205/0 (19 overs)
- Shubman Gill: 102* (55 balls, 10 fours, 5 sixes)
- Sai Sudharsan: 97* (59 balls, 8 fours, 3 sixes)
Match Highlights:
- Virat Kohli's record for the fastest Indian to score 8000 T20 runs was shattered by KL Rahul's 112 not out, while it also helped the Delhi Capitals achieve a decent total.
- Rahul's Special IPL Century Record: He is the first player to have scored IPL hundreds in three different teams.
- Gujarat Titans' Ruthless Chase: Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan posted an awe-inspiring unbroken opening partnership, their 200-run chase in a canter.
- Gill's Century: The Gujarat Titans skipper dominated from the front with a stunning unbeaten century.
- Sudharsan's Close Call: Sai Sudharsan played a fabulous supporting role, going three runs short of his own century.
- Opening Dominance: Gujarat Titans' openers played great shots, making it an easy 10-wicket win with an over to spare.
Conclusion
Despite Rahul's record achievement and brilliant century, the Gujarat Titans' top order dominated the Delhi Capitals' effort with a one-sided batting display. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan's unbreakable combination claimed a convincing victory, leaving Rahul's solo brilliance a poignant memory for the home crowd. KL Rahul will be remembered in the pages of T20 cricket history as one of the all-time greats, although due to his record-breaking feat.