After being released from the Lucknow Super Giants, KL Rahul has now moved to the Delhi Capitals. His incredible and consistent performance throughout the IPL this year has turned a number of heads. This includes former England captain Kevin Pietersen, whose endorsement has reignited debate around India’s T20 World Cup squad selection.
As of now, KL Rahul hasn’t been officially selected for India’s squad in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. However, his recent performance in the 2025 IPL season has triggered a lot of discussions about his potential inclusion. It’s not just fans who are sharing their views, but other experts and players in the industry.
Rahul’s redemption
Rahul’s departure from the Lucknow Super Giants caused mixed emotions last year. After a difficult IPL season in 2024, Rahul made the difficult decision to part ways with the Lucknow Super Giants. While some fans felt as though it was a practical move given his form and fitness. There were others who thought it was too early to part ways.
His performance in the 2024 IPL season was below his usual standards. Many critics pointed out his low strike rate and his high number of dot balls. This resulted in Lucknow Super Giants struggling as a team and failing to qualify for the playoffs. This left many fans worried about the future of Rahul’s cricket career. However, Rahul returned to the IPL season better than ever. He missed his first game. Since then, he has put on an incredible performance. One of his best innings came against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he scored an unbeaten 93 runs off 53 balls. This season also saw him reach a huge milestone of 5,000 IPL runs, faster than anyone else in league history.
Rahul’s odds for being the top run-scorer in the 2025 IPL have improved significantly. Additionally, his odds for selection in India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad have shortened. This reflects bettors’ confidence in his form. His recent performance, along with other players, has had an impact on IPL betting markets. Many fans are now placing wagers on the success of the Delhi Capitals. According to Oddspedia, the Delhi Capitals’ odds are at 2.15 for when they go up against the Punjab Kings (1.73). While the odds aren’t in the team’s favour, anything can happen. Especially with Rahul on the team.
What’s changed about KL Rahul?
Rahul has shown incredible improvement since his last season. This has led many fans to wonder what’s changed about him. In the past, Rahul was often seen as a solid but slow batter. He scored runs, but not always quickly enough. This season has shown a dramatic change in the player. We have seen him turn that around. He is batting at a much faster pace (strike rate around 145), he’s taking more risks and is playing with more confidence. He is no longer opening the batting and is sitting in the middle order. This is something that India selectors have been asking for their T20 players. These changes have not only shown improvement in the player, but also his ability to adapt to different playing styles. This is an extremely attractive quality that is likely to work in his favour when it comes to being selected for the T20 World Cup.
Kevin Pietersen’s support
One of Rahul’s biggest supporters at the moment is Kevin Pietersen. The former England Captain and current IPL commentator has shown his support multiple times. On several occasions, Pietersen has shared that he believes that India should pick him for the T20 2026 World Cup. Pietersen shared in a post-match press conference after Delhi Capitals’ defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru that, ‘I’d bat KL at four for India in T20 cricket. I think you guys (India) have got plenty of opening batters, you’ve got Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) who bats at the top, you’ve got all of these guys but the way that KL Rahul is playing cricket now, he would be my first choice to bat at four and keep wicket for India.’
Having the support of such a high-profile player will work in Rahul’s favour. Peitersen’s endorsement of KL Rahul’s inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad carries significant weight for several different reasons. Pietersen is a former England captain and a seasoned T20 player. His insights are respected all around the world and his assessment of Rahul’s current form will add a lot of credibility to the argument for Rahul’s selection. Additionally, an endorsement from such a high-profile figure can also influence public opinion and could potentially sway selection committees.
Can he make India’s World Cup Team?
Despite his incredible performance and support from those in the industry. Rahul’s spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad is not guaranteed. Rahul hasn’t played a T20 international since late 2022. The Indian selectors, who are led by Ajit Agarkar, have already commented that they are looking for middle-order players, not openers. But if he keeps performing like he is now, the selectors may not have a choice but to consider him seriously for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Even India’s captain Rohit Sharma has also shared his views on how well Rahul has been playing this season. This as well will play in his favour.
What happens next?
With the 2026 T20 World Cup coming up fast, the big question is: Will KL make Rahul make the team? Right now, he is doing everything he can to secure a place. He’s scoring runs, keeping wickets and batting in the middle order. If he keeps up his performance, it will be very hard for organizers to leave him out. And if India wants to see success in the World Cup, picking players from the top like Rahul, might be the smartest move.
With the IPL drawing to a close in a couple of weeks. Fans will be waiting patiently for the T20 World Cup. It’s set to begin in February 2026. There is still time for changes to be made, especially with the results of the IPL.
