KL Rahul targets 2026 T20 World Cup return after IPL resurgence
| 2025-05-26
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India's KL Rahul eyes a T20 comeback for the 2026 World Cup after a strong IPL season with Delhi Capitals and a renewed focus on white-ball cricket.
KL Rahul has confirmed his ambition to return to India’s T20 squad ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, after nearly three years out of the format. The veteran batsman cited a renewed approach to white-ball cricket following a standout domestic season.
Rahul, 33, last represented India in T20 internationals during the 2022 World Cup semifinal against England. Since then, he has remained active in ODIs but was absent from the T20 format. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Indian cricketer revealed he has used the break to reassess his game and adapt to the rapidly evolving dynamics of T20 cricket.
Return ambitions and IPL performance
Rahul’s recent stint with Delhi Capitals in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) underlined his continued value in the shortest format. He scored 539 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 149.72, his fifth 500-plus run season in six years. Although Delhi Capitals failed to qualify for the playoffs, Rahul’s personal form drew attention.
"Yes, I want to get back in the T20 team and the World Cup is on my mind, but for now it's just trying to enjoy how I'm playing right now," Rahul said.
His comments come as India prepares to co-host the 2026 T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka. India are also the current title holders, having won the tournament in 2024.
Adapting to a faster game
Rahul acknowledged that the nature of T20 cricket has changed during his time away, placing greater emphasis on power hitting and boundary scoring.
"I obviously had some time to think about my white-ball game. I was quite happy with my performances and where I was," he explained. "But there was a time probably 12 or 15 months ago where I realised the game is changing and becoming much faster."
He pointed out that successful T20 teams are now those that consistently hit more boundaries.
"It's become more about the team that hits more boundaries. The team that doesn’t hit as many often ends up on the losing side," he added.
This insight has influenced Rahul’s revised strategy, which was evident in his aggressive IPL approach. His high strike rate this season suggests a deliberate shift from the more conservative style for which he had previously drawn criticism.
Focus on reinvention and adaptability
Rahul believes that his absence from India’s T20 squad since 2022 provided space for reflection and growth. He also hinted at the mental reset it allowed, describing it as a period of necessary introspection.
“I haven’t been part of the T20 team in the last couple of years. That’s given me some time to think about my T20 game as well—where I can get better, how I can catch up with where the game is headed, and what I need to do to perform,” he said.
In addition to T20s, Rahul remains a regular feature in India’s ODI team. He played a significant role in India’s Champions Trophy victory earlier this year, contributing 140 runs across five matches at a strike rate of 97.90.
A versatile career path
Over the course of his career, Rahul has featured in multiple roles and batting positions across formats. He reflected on the need for adaptability, saying he has rarely had the luxury of choosing his position in the team.
"If you have seen how my career has gone, I don’t think I really had a choice. I have never been a player to speak with the selectors and tell the captain that this is what I want to do," he said.
He added that taking on different roles has helped his growth as a cricketer: "Whatever challenge is thrown at me, I’ve found it better to adapt than try to overthink my options."
On India’s Test challenges
Rahul also addressed India’s recent struggles in Test cricket, particularly during the home series against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
"Last couple of Test series, we should have batted better. Losing three Tests at home in familiar conditions was disappointing," he said.
He credited New Zealand’s bowlers for restricting scoring opportunities, which led to mounting pressure and poor shot selection. He also pointed out a pattern of missed opportunities in key moments, which resurfaced in the series against Australia.
"The wicket had something for spinners but New Zealand found a way to put pressure. We didn’t win the crucial moments in games and repeated the same mistakes in Australia," he noted.
Context: India’s evolving T20 approach
India’s approach to T20 cricket has undergone significant change in recent years, with greater emphasis on aggressive batting and strategic depth. The 2024 T20 World Cup win marked a shift toward dynamic team compositions and younger talent. However, seasoned players like Rahul continue to be part of the broader conversation around squad balance.
As India and Sri Lanka prepare to host the 2026 edition of the tournament, selection discussions are expected to intensify. Rahul’s IPL resurgence may play a key role in those deliberations, particularly given his experience and recent self-adaptation to the game’s demands.
Conclusion
KL Rahul’s pursuit of a T20 comeback reflects both personal determination and broader trends in global cricket. With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, his evolved batting style and consistent domestic performances could pave the way for his return to the international stage.
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