New Delhi: 

KL Rahul, on Tuesday, became the fastest batter in Indian Premier League (IPL) history to reach 5000 runs. The right-handed batter achieved the big milestone in the IPL clash between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana stadium. The record was previously held by Australian opener David Warner, who had reached the 5000-run mark in 135 innings.

33-year-old Rahul surpassed the record held by Warner as he reached the mark in just 130 innings to become the quickest batter in the world to reach the feat and set a new benchmark. Warner had achieved the record back in 2020, while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Abu Dhabi.

With just a modest target of 160 to chase, Rahul played a statement knock of unbeaten 57 runs in just 42 balls, which included three massive sixes and as many boundaries. The wicketkeeper-batter completed the task for his side with 6 in just 17.5 overs as DC mauled LSG by 8 wickets. Meanwhile, after Rahul and Warner, star batter Virat Kohli is third on the elite list, achieving the mark in 157 IPL innings.

Fastest batters to 5000 IPL runs

1. KL Rahul – 130 innings

2. David Warner – 135 innings

 Shikhar Dhawan – 168

 innings Virat Kohli – 157 innings

4. AB de Villiers – 161 innings

The seasoned batter also became just the eighth player overall to score 5000 or more runs in the cash-rich league. Rahul joins an elite group featuring Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, and AB de Villiers. With sixth win in eight matches, DC are on the second spot in the points table while LSG are placed fifth with 5 wins and 4 losses in 9 games.

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