The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a showcase for batting brilliance, but only a handful of players have managed to scale the 5000-run peak—a mark of sustained excellence and adaptability in T20 cricket. KL Rahul’s recent record-breaking feat has added a new chapter to this elite club.
KL Rahul: The New Standard-Bearer
KL Rahul, currently playing for Delhi Capitals, became the fastest batter in IPL history to reach 5000 runs. He achieved this milestone during Match 40 of IPL 2025 against his former team, Lucknow Super Giants, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Rahul needed 51 runs to reach the landmark and did so with a single on the third ball of the 18th over, eventually finishing with a match-winning half-century.
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Innings to 5000 runs: 130 (in his 139th IPL match)
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Previous record: David Warner (135 innings)
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Age at milestone: 33 years
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2025 IPL Auction: Acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore
Rahul’s achievement is not just about speed but also about consistency. He has now scored 5000 runs with four centuries and 40 half-centuries, highlighting his ability to anchor and accelerate when needed.
The Top 5 Fastest to 5000 IPL Runs
| Rank | Player | Innings to 5000 Runs | Year Achieved | Teams Represented |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KL Rahul | 130 | 2025 | RCB, SRH, PBKS, LSG, DC |
| 2 | David Warner | 135 | 2020 | DC, SRH |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | 157 | 2019 | RCB |
| 4 | AB de Villiers | 161 | 2021 | DC, RCB |
| 5 | Shikhar Dhawan | 168 | 2020 | DC, SRH, PBKS |
The 5000-Run Club: A Mark of Consistency
Rahul is the eighth batter to cross the 5000-run mark in IPL history. The others are:
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Virat Kohli (8,326 runs)
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Rohit Sharma (6,786)
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Shikhar Dhawan (6,769)
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David Warner (6,565)
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Suresh Raina (5,528)
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MS Dhoni (5,377)
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AB de Villiers (5,162)
Rahul’s entry into this club saw him surpass Chris Gayle and Robin Uthappa, who narrowly missed the milestone.
Rahul’s IPL Journey and 2025 Form
Rahul began his IPL career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2013, later representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and now Delhi Capitals. His adaptability across franchises and roles—opener, wicketkeeper, and captain—has been remarkable.
In IPL 2025, Rahul has been in stellar form:
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Runs: 323 in seven matches
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Average: 64.60
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Strike Rate: 153.80
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Fifties in 2025: Three (including the record-breaking knock)6
The Match That Made History
In the historic match against LSG:
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Rahul reached his half-century off 40 balls.
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He finished the chase with a six, leading DC to an eight-wicket win with 13 balls to spare.
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Abhishek Porel (51 off 36) and Axar Patel (34 off 20) provided strong support, but it was Rahul’s calm and calculated innings that anchored the chase.
Why This Record Matters
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Consistency & Longevity: Reaching 5000 runs in the IPL is a testament to a player’s ability to deliver year after year in a high-pressure, fast-paced tournament.
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Adaptability: The fastest to 5000 runs have thrived across different teams, conditions, and roles.
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Setting a Benchmark: Rahul’s record of 130 innings sets a new standard for future generations.
Conclusion
KL Rahul’s ascent to the fastest 5000 IPL runs is a landmark moment for both the player and the league. It underscores his class, consistency, and adaptability, and places him firmly among the IPL’s batting greats. With several seasons likely ahead, Rahul’s journey promises more milestones and memorable performances for cricket fans
