KL Rahul Says Matching MS Dhoni’s Five IPL Trophies Matters More Than Breaking His Record

KL Rahul recently crossed MS Dhoni in the all-time run-scoring charts of the Indian Premier League, becoming one of the top five run-getters in the tournament’s history. However, he has made it clear that this milestone does not define success for him.

Reflecting on the achievement, Rahul said, “I didn't even realise I had gone past Mahi bhai on the IPL's all-time run-scorers list. Honestly, the milestone I would love to match with MS Dhoni is his five IPL trophies that he's won with CSK. When you have a long career, personal achievements do feel special. They tell you that your hard work and sacrifices have paid off. But at the end of the day, cricket is a team sport. You want to win trophies. You want to be part of successful sides. That has always been my goal. Every season, I give my best to win the IPL, no matter which team I play for. That matters the most to me. Personal milestones are good. They reassure me that I am on the right track. But what would truly make me happy is winning as many trophies as MS Dhoni.”

How did Rahul reach this milestone?

Rahul’s rise in the IPL charts was powered by a remarkable performance for the Delhi Capitals. In a recent match against Punjab Kings, he scored a stunning 152 runs, which pushed him past both Dhoni and Suresh Raina in the all-time standings.

So far this season, Rahul has been a key figure for Delhi, scoring 358 runs in eight matches at an average of 51.14, underlining his consistency and importance to the side.

Why does Rahul value trophies over personal records?

Rahul’s comments highlight a broader philosophy shared by many elite cricketers: individual milestones matter, but championships define legacies. By pointing to Dhoni’s five IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings, Rahul emphasised that sustained team success is the ultimate benchmark.

His perspective also reflects the demands of franchise cricket, where players often switch teams but still aim to contribute to winning campaigns.

What is Rahul’s connection with Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium?

Rahul also opened up about his deep emotional connection to the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where he grew up watching cricket. This personal bond, he says, gives him a psychological edge.

“There's nothing different I do against RCB. I've thought about it a lot. If there is a mental switch, why can't I use it against every team? I haven't found an answer. But Chinnaswamy is very special to me. I grew up there as a kid, watching players and dreaming of playing on that ground. So, a psychological switch happens when I go there. It's not just against RCB. I've done well in international games there, too. Some stadiums just give you a good vibe and make you feel you'll do well. I'm happy I've consistently performed against a top-quality, defending champion side like RCB. As an athlete, you want to challenge yourself and bring out your best against good teams. That's when some switch turns on,” he added.

How has he performed against Royal Challengers Bengaluru?

Rahul’s affinity for the venue has translated into strong performances against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In a match earlier this season in Bengaluru, he scored 57 off 34 balls, helping Delhi Capitals secure a six-wicket victory.

His record at the venue, both in the IPL and international cricket, reinforces his belief that certain grounds can positively influence a player’s mindset and performance.

(With inputs from ANI)