Lucknow, April 22, 2025 — In a remarkable display of consistency and class, Delhi Capitals’ star batter and wicketkeeper KL Rahul etched his name into Indian Premier League (IPL) history books by becoming the fastest player to reach 5000 runs in the tournament’s history. Rahul achieved the milestone during the IPL 2025 Match 40 against his former team Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Rahul reached the 5000-run mark in just 130 innings, surpassing the previous record held by David Warner, who had reached the same landmark in 135 innings. The record highlights Rahul’s sustained brilliance in the T20 format and his emergence as one of IPL’s modern greats.
Rahul Joins the 5000-Run Club
With this feat, KL Rahul becomes only the eighth batter in IPL history to cross the 5000-run barrier. He joins a prestigious list of players led by Virat Kohli, who remains the all-time leading run-scorer in the IPL with 8326 runs. During the same innings, Rahul also overtook Chris Gayle’s tally of 4965 runs, further cementing his place among the format’s legends.
Fastest to 5000 IPL Runs (by innings)
KL Rahul – 130 innings
David Warner – 135 innings
Virat Kohli – 157 innings
AB de Villiers – 161 innings
Shikhar Dhawan – 168 innings
Rahul needed 51 runs before today’s match to breach the 5000-run milestone. He finished the match with a match-winning 57 not out off 42 balls, guiding Delhi Capitals to an emphatic 8-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Chasing a target of 160, Rahul anchored the innings calmly, even as Abishek Porel contributed a brisk 51.
Rahul’s IPL Journey: From Consistent Performer to Elite Leader
KL Rahul’s IPL journey began in 2013, and since then, he has evolved from a middle-order anchor to a top-order enforcer and captain. Known for his textbook technique combined with explosive stroke play, Rahul has represented Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants, before donning the DC jersey in 2025.
Over the years, his consistency has stood out. Since IPL 2018, Rahul has averaged above 50 in multiple seasons, and has been among the top five run-scorers in several editions. His ability to adapt to various roles – be it opener, anchor, or finisher – makes him an invaluable asset.
A Special Moment Against Former Team
The milestone became even more special as it came against LSG, the franchise Rahul captained for two seasons (2022–2023). Ironically, he was released by the Super Giants before the 2025 season, only to return stronger in DC colours and script this historic achievement.
The match was already high on emotions, with Rahul’s quiet handshake with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka going viral on social media. But it was Rahul’s bat that spoke the loudest, reminding the cricketing world of his elite caliber.
What’s Next for KL Rahul?
As the IPL 2025 season enters its second half, KL Rahul’s return to form comes as a massive boost for Delhi Capitals. His achievement puts him in the spotlight not just for the IPL, but also as a strong contender for India’s T20 World Cup squad later this year.
For now, though, the cricketing world applauds the man who has turned elegance into dominance in the IPL – KL Rahul, the fastest to 5000 runs.
