KL Rahul IPL Teams (2013-2026)

KL Rahul IPL Teams over the years (Source: AFP)

KL Rahul could be heading towards another major change in his IPL career. The Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter is reportedly being considered for a move to Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

According to Sports Tak, talks are underway between Delhi Capitals and KKR over a possible trade involving KL Rahul. The development comes after a reported disagreement between Rahul and the Delhi Capitals management during the IPL 2026 season.

Rahul's position in the Delhi Capitals squad has also come under the spotlight following the franchise's acquisition of Rishabh Pant from Lucknow Super Giants. 

If the reported trade is completed, KKR could become the latest franchise in KL Rahul's IPL career.

Having said this, in this article, let’s take a look at all the teams that KL Rahul has played in the IPL over the years.

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For How Many Teams Has KL Rahul Played In IPL?

It is important to mention that KL Rahul has played for 5 IPL franchises so far - Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC).

(Last Updated On September 3, 2026)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2013 and 2016)

KL Rahul began his IPL career with RCB in 2013 and was bought for 10 Lakh. He then spent two seasons with Sunrisers Hyderabad before returning to RCB in 2016 (INR 1 crore).

In IPL 2013, the stylish batter featured in five matches and scored just 20 runs at a strike rate of 125.00.

Then he returned to the two-time champions in 2016, and this time his impact was much bigger. He played 14 matches and scored 397 runs at an average of 44.11 and a strike rate of 146.49.

Across his two stints with RCB, KL Rahul played 19 matches and scored 417 runs, with a highest score of 68*. His overall average was 37.91, and his strike rate was 145.30.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014-2015)

Between his two RCB stints, KL Rahul played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014 and 2015 and was bought for INR 1 crore (2014).

In the 2014 season, Rahul scored 166 runs in 8 innings at an average of 20.75 and a strike rate of 101.21. He returned in 2015 and scored 142 runs in eight innings at an average of 28.40 and a strike rate of 112.69.

His time with SRH was not as spectacular as the years that followed, but it gave the star player valuable IPL experience.

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Punjab Kings (2018-2021)

Rahul's career changed significantly after he joined Punjab Kings (Kings XI Punjab) in 2018. The franchise bought him for ₹11 crore, and he immediately repaid their faith with a brilliant season.

He scored 659 runs in 14 matches in 2018 at a strike rate of 158.41 and an average of 54.91. Rahul remained one of Punjab's most reliable batters in the following seasons. The remarkable batter scored 593 runs in 2019 and then produced another outstanding campaign in 2020/21, scoring 670 runs.

Lucknow Super Giants (2022-2024)

In 2022, Rahul moved to the then newly formed Lucknow Super Giants. He was picked for a massive ₹17 crore and was appointed captain.LSG made the playoffs in their debut season, with Rahul scoring 616 runs in 15 matches at an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 135.38.

Rahul's time at LSG eventually ended before the 2025 season, and Rishabh Pant later became LSG captain in 2025. 

Overall, the Indian star made 1410 runs in 38 matches at an average of 41.47 and a strike rate of 130.68.

Delhi Capitals (2025- Present)

KL Rahul joined Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2025 mega auction, with the franchise acquiring him for ₹14 crore. 

In IPL 2025, the star player made 539 runs in 13 matches at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72. In 2026, he finished the season with 593 runs in 14 matches at an average of 45.61 and a strike rate of 174.41. He also made 152* off just 67 balls against Punjab Kings, which is the highest individual score by an Indian batter in IPL history.

His knock is also among the third-highest individual score in IPL history, behind Chris Gayle (175*) and Brendon McCullum (158*).

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