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During Sunday's IPL 2025 match between the Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans, KL Rahul made history by becoming the fastest Indian batter to score 8,000 runs in T20 cricket. The brilliant right-hander smashed the milestone in just 224 innings and smashing Virat Kohli's previous record of 8000 runs in 243 innings. Rahul now sits third on the all-time list behind only Chris Gayle (213 innings) and Babar Azam (218 innings).
Both teams' players honored the Indian military and the game started to an emotional start. The stadium screens displayed "Thank You Armed Forces" messages during the national anthem, with fans joining in a chorus of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" after the anthem concluded. Rahul's remarkable performance was made possible by this patriotic environment.
Promoted to open after batting in the middle order all season, Rahul crafted a magnificent unbeaten 112 off 65 balls - his seventh T20 century. After a cautious start (28/1 in 5 overs), he exploded with two sixes and a four off Kagiso Rabada in the sixth over. With contributions from Axar Patel (25 off 16) and Abishek Porel (30 off 19), Rahul helped DC to reach the score 199/3.
The innings saw Rahul achieve multiple milestones
Fastest Indian to 8,000 T20 runs (224 innings)
First batter with centuries for 3 IPL teams (PBKS, LSG, DC)
Joins elite group of six Indians with 8,000+ T20 runs
Moves third all-time in fastest to 8,000 runs behind Gayle and Azam
Elite T20 Run-Scorers Club
Fastest to 8,000 T20 runs (by innings):
Chris Gayle - 213
Babar Azam - 218
KL Rahul - 224*
Virat Kohli - 243
Mohammad Rizwan - 244
Rahul's achievement cements his status as one of India's premier white-ball batters. He is extremely useful due to his ability to consistently maintain a fantastic strike rate (139.7 in T20s). Rahul has established himself as the leader of India's T20 hitting future as Kohli and Rohit Sharma approach to the end of their careers.
While Rahul's heroics dominated headlines, Gujarat Titans fell short in their chase, handing Delhi Capitals a crucial victory in their playoff push. The innings presented Rahul's whole batting ability - patience, explosive hitting in middle overs, and outstanding finishing of the match.
Rahul's performance could be crucial for Delhi's hopes of winning the IPL 2025 as it nears to its final conclusion. His spot in India's squad for the T20 World Cup later this year has been strengthened by his record-breaking effort. Rahul has established himself as one of the contemporary great player of T20 cricket with this remarkable innings and in addition to breaking the records.
Delhi Capitals (20 overs) 199/3
Porel 30 (19), KL Rahul 112* (65).
Gujarat Titans (20 overs) 183/7
Delhi prevailed by 16 runs.
Player of the Match: KL Rahul
This historic achievement adds another glorious chapter to Rahul's already impressive career, proving his ability to deliver when it matters most while etching his name in cricket's record books
