KL Rahul’s 152 rewrites IPL history as he joins Brendon McCullum and Chris Gayle in the 150-plus club, becoming the first Indian to reach the milestone
New Delhi: KL Rahul’s unbeaten 152 off 67 balls against Punjab Kings was more than a match-winning innings. It was a record-breaking knock that has secured a place among the greatest performances in Indian Premier League history.
With this innings, Rahul became the first Indian batter to score 150 in the IPL, climbed to third on the all-time list of highest individual scores, and came within 23 runs of Chris Gayle’s legendary 175 not out, a record that has stood since 2013.
For over a decade, Gayle’s 175 had looked untouchable. Rahul’s innings has brought that record back into the spotlight.
Rahul Joins Gayle and McCullum in 150-Plus Club
Only two batters had crossed the 150 mark in IPL history before Rahul. His 152 has now placed him in one of the tournament’s most exclusive clubs.
Highest Individual Scores in IPL History
- Chris Gayle – 175* vs Pune Warriors (2013)
- Brendon McCullum – 158* vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2008)
- KL Rahul – 152* vs Punjab Kings (2026)
Rahul is only the third batter to score 150 or more in the IPL, ending a 13-year wait for another innings of that scale.
Highest IPL Score by an Indian Batter
Rahul’s 152* is now the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL history.
He surpassed his previous IPL best of 132 not out and also set a new record for the highest individual score by a Delhi Capitals batter.
The knock added another landmark achievement to Rahul’s IPL career.
Also Read: KL Rahul’s 152 Powers DC to 264, One of IPL’s Highest Totals Against Punjab Kings
Rahul Moves Closer to Gayle’s 175
Rahul finished just 23 runs short of Chris Gayle’s all-time IPL record.
Chris Gayle – 175*
66 balls
13 fours
17 sixes
Strike rate 265.15
KL Rahul – 152*
67 balls
16 fours
9 sixes
Strike rate 226.87
Rahul hit more fours than Gayle, while Gayle’s six-hitting remains unmatched. The comparison has revived debate around whether the 175-run mark can eventually be broken.
A Century That Became a Historic Statement
Rahul brought up his century in just 47 balls, one of the fastest hundreds of IPL 2026, before turning it into a record-setting innings.
He finished unbeaten with 16 fours and 9 sixes, combining timing, control and power in an innings already being spoken of among the finest in the tournament’s history.
It was not just the size of the score, but the authority with which it was built that made the innings stand out.
Record Partnership Adds Another Milestone
Rahul’s innings also featured a 220-run stand with Nitish Rana, a partnership that reportedly broke a long-standing IPL record.
That partnership helped Delhi Capitals post 264/2, one of the highest team totals in franchise history, adding another layer to an already historic evening.
Rahul Draws Level With Gayle in IPL Centuries
Rahul’s hundred was also his sixth IPL century, drawing him level with Chris Gayle in the list of most hundreds in tournament history.
That milestone further strengthened the significance of an innings already filled with records.
A Knock That Could Define Rahul’s IPL Legacy
This innings is already being seen as one of the defining knocks of Rahul’s IPL journey.
It now stands alongside some of the most iconic innings the league has witnessed:
Chris Gayle’s 175*
Brendon McCullum’s 158*
KL Rahul’s 152*
Can Gayle’s Record Finally Be Challenged?
For years, Chris Gayle’s 175 seemed beyond reach.
For 13 seasons, no batter crossed 150.
Rahul has now changed that and brought renewed focus on whether one of cricket’s most famous T20 records can eventually fall.
At just 23 runs short, he came closer than almost anyone in IPL history except Brendon McCullum.
More Than an Innings, A Record-Book Moment
Rahul’s 152 was not just another century.
It made him:
- First Indian to score 150 in IPL history
- Third-highest individual scorer in IPL history
- Only the third batter to cross 150 in the tournament
- Holder of 6 IPL centuries with Chris Gayle
- Just 23 runs short of the all-time IPL record
Some innings win matches.
Some reshape the record books.
KL Rahul’s 152 belongs firmly in the second category.
264/2 is the highest IPL total of the 2026 season and among the top six highest team totals in IPL history.
