IPL 2025: This is my home and I know how to manipulate, KL Rahul says

Dubai: There’s something about KL Rahul and high-pressure chases. Just months after his ice-cold finishes in the Champions Trophy in Dubai, the Delhi Capitals batter returned to familiar turf — and delivered again. This wasn’t nostalgia; it was a reminder that Rahul, when locked in, remains one of the most dependable closers in the game.

Delhi were in trouble at 66 for four, chasing a tricky total set by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. But the moment Rahul walked in, the momentum began to shift. Calm, composed, and quietly calculating, he stitched together a clinical 93 not out — his second straight match-winning knock after a 77 against Chennai.

'This is my ground'
“It was a slightly tricky wicket but what helped me was being behind the stumps for 20 overs, watching how the wicket played,” Rahul said after the game. “The ball sat in the wicket but it was consistent throughout, it was one-paced. This is my ground, my home, I know this [ground] better than anyone else.”

That sense of ownership was visible in his shot selection. Rahul rarely looked rushed, waiting for the bowlers to blink first. He spoke of experimenting during practice sessions to map out scoring zones — a methodical approach that now appears to be paying rich dividends.

“I try to adapt to different wickets even in practice,” he added. “I experiment, get out a couple of times, but it gives me a fair idea of where I can take singles and where I can hit sixes.”

Stubbs supports, Axar applauds
Tristan Stubbs played a vital supporting role, helping Rahul put on a blistering stand worth 70 runs in under five overs. Their late surge flipped the contest on its head and extended Delhi’s unbeaten run to four matches.

Captain Axar Patel credited Rahul’s maturity and adaptability for making leadership easier.

“It becomes a very easy job for me,” Axar said. “I’ve been in that situation, being used as a floater in pressure situations. It’s not easy changing positions. Having a player like him is a very good thing. I played a bad shot today, but he played a mature innings and finished it off. He has been carrying his Champions Trophy form.”

Boucher: 'Even better than Chennai'
Former South Africa keeper and commentator Mark Boucher was equally impressed, ranking this knock above Rahul’s previous game.

“That was a tricky chase — there was nothing easy about that win,” Boucher said on JioHotstar. “At one point, Bengaluru were right back in it. KL Rahul came in under serious pressure with wickets falling around him and a high run rate to chase.

“He played a masterclass in Chennai the other night, but this innings was even better, especially in these conditions. He’s looking in great form, and the celebration at the end showed how much it meant to him.”

The finisher India needs
Rahul’s innings wasn’t just a boost for Delhi’s playoff hopes — it was another glowing endorsement of his value in the finishing role. KL Rahul is once again making a strong case that when the pressure is highest, he’s India’s man for the job.