![KL Rahul disappointed after golden duck [Source: Screengrab- JioHotstar]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1775060174444_KLRahuldisappointedaftergoldenduck(1).jpg?type=hq)
KL Rahul disappointed after golden duck [Source: Screengrab- JioHotstar]
First game for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026, and the DC fans had high expectations from their star opener, KL Rahul. Last season, the franchise made a mistake by putting him in the middle order, and while he performed well, things went downhill for the franchise.
Ahead of IPL 2026, Delhi Capitals rectified the mistake as KL Rahul was given the openers’ role, and many expected him to deliver the goods right from match number one. However, in the first match against his previous franchise, LSG, things didn’t go according to his plans.
KL Rahul goes for golden duck against former IPL franchise
The stage was set for KL Rahul to perform against the franchise that sidelined him after the IPL 2024 season. LSG, batting first, had only posted a meagre 141, and on a decent Ekana Stadium batting surface, KL Rahul had the chance to win the game for his team.
However, despite heavy expectations, KL Rahul failed as LSG pacer, Mohammed Shami dismissed him for a golden duck. Shami bowled a fuller delivery, shaping away from the DC opener, who played away from the body and got a top-edge.
The ball flew in the air and went safely into the hands of the deep backward point fielder, as KL Rahul couldn’t believe his luck. He was dejected and disappointed with his reckless shot on the very first ball of the DC innings.
Before going back to the pavilion, KL Rahul waited for a few seconds, before nodding his head in disappointment.
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KL Rahul becomes Shami's IPL bunny
Interestingly, Mohammed Shami is the only bowler to dismiss KL Rahul twice on Duck in the IPL. The first instance took place in the 2022 edition, when KL played for LSG, and the second event occurred on Wednesday evening.
It won’t be an understatement to say that Shami certainly has KL Rahul’s numbers and has made him his bunny in the IPL. In the tournament, KL Rahul has always struggled against Shami’s skillset, and the numbers reveal the story.
In six innings against him, the Delhi opener has only racked up 43 runs in 36 balls, and has been dismissed thrice. Moreover, in the six games, KL Rahul has only struck at 119, showcasing his vulnerability against the right-arm pacer.
KL Rahul enters unwanted IPL list
Shami dismissed the Karnataka batter on the first ball of the game, and in the process, the opener entered an unwanted list.
He became the player with the joint second most to be dismissed on a golden duck in the IPL. Parthiv Patel, who has played for multiple IPL franchises, holds the unwanted record (4 times), followed by Dwayne Smith, Prithvi Shaw, and KL Rahul (3 times each).
Out of all the players on the list, two have already retired, while Prithvi Shaw hardly plays in the IPL. As a result, the opener has a chance to eclipse Parthiv Patel in this unfortunate feat.
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