New Delhi: KL Rahul is ready to opener for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The 33-year-old will also don the gloves for the Delhi-based franchise. The veteran batsman was initially ranked in the middle order last season, but poor returns from big-name buyer Jack Fraser McGurk forced the brain trust to elevate him to the top in search of a more consistent opening.Rahul batted at No. 4 for most of last season, a position that was settled before the start of the season but underwent a course correction after 11 league games. The change of position paid immediate dividends as Rahul smashed an unbeaten 65-ball 112 against the Gujarat Titans. However, it failed as the Shubman Gill-led team overhauled the 200-run target with 10 wickets and a ball to spare.Rahul was the leading scorer for Delhi Capitals last year, scoring 539 points in 13 games. Rahul’s strike rate of 149.72 is his best since 2018. Delhi Capitals have already started preparations for the next season and several preparatory camps involving Indian players have been held in Delhi and Hyderabad. The coaching staff, led by head coach Hemang Badani and director of cricket Venugopal Rao, has turned its focus to the IPL after fulfilling its commitment to The Hundred. The role will become clearer when captain Axar Patel is contacted by the team.Delhi Capitals made some smart purchases in the auction. They managed to acquire David Miller and Ben Duckett at rock-bottom prices. They also strengthened their bowling attack with the additions of Ochibu Nabi, Lungi Ngidi and Kyle Jamieson.The Axar Patel-led side started strongly last season but ran out of steam after losing to Mumbai Indians at home. The loss derailed their momentum and some mediocre back-to-back performances knocked them out of the playoff picture. At the end of the league stage, the Capitals were in fifth place.A strong Indian core, quality overseas picks and two world-class spinners in Axar and Kuldeep Yadav make Delhi a team to watch this season. They hope their strong performance will end their long wait for a maiden IPL title.
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