Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has predicted that KL Rahul will win the Orange Cap if he opens for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. The flamboyant batter batted mostly in the middle order in IPL 2025 as he opened only on four occasions. Towards the fag end of the tournament, Rahul scored an unbeaten knock of 112 runs off 65 balls against Gujarat Titans while opening the innings.
Rahul scored 539 runs in 13 matches of IPL 2025 at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72. The Karnataka batter has been a consistent performer in the IPL over the years and he has done a good job while opening the innings.
Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “There was a match against CSK, where KL Rahul played an exceptional knock on a two-paced pitch. Yet, they never opened with him again for a while after that. Make sure he opens this season. He will have the Orange Cap if he does. Have Pathum Nissanka open with him at the top. Just do these basic things and leave it to the players.”
“By trying to do too much as a support staff, you can impact the team in unimaginable ways. Ashutosh Sharma produced one amazing knock, but it felt like he never played after that. Suddenly, Sameer Rizvi played a game.”
Ashwin said Delhi Capitals have a potent bowling line up for IPL 2026 as they have bowlers like Auqib Nabi, T Natarajan, Lungi Ngidi, Axar Patel, Mukesh Kumar, Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav.
“Natarajan has dropped drastically in speed when I last saw him. Hopefully, he comes and delivers for them because he is a high-value pick. But even otherwise, they have a great bowling lineup. If Starc doesn’t play, they have Lungi Ngidi. Mukesh Kumar has been bowling the yorkers brilliantly. Kuldeep Yadav had the ball on a string last season. He and Axar Patel are banks as solid Indian spinners. Auqib Nabi should play and open the bowling with the new ball,” said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).
The former CSK spinner urged DC to remain patient and back the same team to find success in the upcoming season.
“DC have a good chance if they don’t constantly change their 11. Despite having a strong squad, they’ve found the magic recipe to get knocked out. If they utilise their resources well, they can give even MI a run for their money. Such is the strength of DC’s squad. But my prediction is they’ll just about have a chance to qualify by stuttering through the season,” said Ashwin
Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at Lucknow on 1st April.
