KL Rahul scored 593 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 174.41 during IPL 2026, yet Delhi Capitals finished sixth on the points table — and former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes the wicketkeeper-batter deserves better. Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Rayudu said Rahul has been exceptional for every franchise he has represented and is long overdue an IPL title.

Rayudu's Verdict on Rahul

Rayudu was particularly impressed by Rahul's assault on Sunil Narine, pointing to a 30-ball 60 against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens as a standout moment. 'He was picking him (Narine) well and also some of the shots were exceptional. The straight hits that he played against Narine were, I think, some of the best shots that we have seen so far against Narine in the season. I don't think anybody has taken on Narine as KL Rahul,' Rayudu said.

He added that Rahul's willingness to confront the IPL's most dangerous bowlers sets him apart. 'It looks like he takes on all the big bowlers in the IPL. He has taken on (Josh) Hazlewood, he has taken on Narine. He is a class player, and Delhi needs to give him a team that wins him an IPL trophy because he deserves it. He has been a fantastic batsman for any team that he has played for. So he deserves the trophy and hopefully he gets it soon,' Rayudu said.

Boucher Highlights Rahul's Middle-Overs Impact

Former Mumbai Indians head coach Mark Boucher echoed that assessment, arguing that Rahul's aggression against KKR's spin twins Narine and Varun Chakravarthy was decisive in shaping Delhi's middle-overs performance. 'This is the reason why we always say that it is so important for Delhi for him to get past the powerplay. You have a team like KKR, who have got the spin twins that have really made life very difficult for every other team after the powerplay,' Boucher said.

Boucher noted that Rahul's dominance neutralised bowlers who had troubled every other side. 'Their (economy) rates are still eight-nine, but that is largely due to KL setting the momentum for those overs in the middle. That is what one quality batsman [can do]... He is not good, he is a very good player,' he said.

DC's Playoff Miss: A Season of What-Ifs

Despite the individual brilliance, Delhi Capitals failed to reach the playoffs for another season. Boucher described it as a competition of near-misses. 'It is a competition of what could have been if you want to look at it like that. Two (more) wins and they are qualifying, and they look like a good team at the moment,' he said.

Rayudu was more pointed in his criticism, arguing that a squad featuring Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, David Miller, and Rahul should have been challenging for the title, not scraping for playoff spots.

Rayudu Calls for DC Introspection

'When you have a bowling side that is that experienced and that capable and have match-winners in your batting line-up like (David) Miller and KL Rahul and all others to complement them, that is a side that should be in top two trying to play the finals, trying to win the competition,' Rayudu said. He urged the franchise to reflect rather than overhaul, adding: 'I think Delhi should really go back and introspect and come back stronger and I hope they don't change many personnel, the big ones in their squad.'

With Rahul's form showing no signs of decline, the pressure is squarely on the Delhi Capitals management to build a title-contending structure around him ahead of IPL 2027.