New Delhi: Ravichandran Ashwin has backed KL Rahul as his top contender for the Orange Cap in the Indian Premier League 2026, provided the Delhi Capitals batter opens the innings consistently.
Ashwin emphasised that Rahul’s role at the top of the order could be the key to unlocking his full potential in the upcoming season.
Rahul must open, says Ashwin
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin highlighted Rahul’s ability to anchor and accelerate innings, particularly recalling a standout knock against Chennai Super Kings on a challenging pitch.
He expressed surprise that Rahul was not consistently used as an opener after that performance.
“Make sure he opens this season. He will have the Orange Cap if he does,” Ashwin said, underlining his confidence in Rahul’s batting prowess.
He also suggested that Pathum Nissanka could partner Rahul at the top to form a stable opening combination.
Delhi Capitals urged to keep it simple
Ashwin stressed the importance of consistency in team selection for Delhi Capitals, cautioning against frequent changes that could disrupt team balance.
He pointed out instances from the previous season where players like Ashutosh Sharma and Sameer Rizvi were not given enough opportunities despite promising performances.
According to Ashwin, overthinking by the support staff can negatively impact team cohesion and results.
Strong bowling unit offers balance
Despite concerns around team combinations, Ashwin acknowledged Delhi Capitals’ strong bowling attack.
He mentioned players like Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi as key pace options, while also highlighting the contributions of Mukesh Kumar in executing yorkers effectively.
In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel were described as dependable performers who can control the middle overs.
Playoff chances depend on stability
Ashwin believes Delhi Capitals have the squad strength to compete with top teams like Mumbai Indians, but only if they maintain consistency in their playing XI.
He cautioned that frequent changes could once again derail their campaign, as seen in previous seasons.
While predicting a slightly inconsistent run, Ashwin said Delhi Capitals still have a realistic chance of making it to the playoffs.
Conclusion
With KL Rahul identified as a potential Orange Cap winner, much will depend on how Delhi Capitals utilise their resources. If the team maintains stability and clarity in roles, they could emerge as strong contenders in IPL 2026.