IPL 2026: ‘I am excited for KL Rahul vs SRH pacers battle’ - Irfan Pathan shares plan to counter DC opener

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has spotlighted an intriguing contest ahead of the IPL clash between the Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 21 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Pathan expressed particular excitement about the face-off between DC opener KL Rahul and SRH’s young pacers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain. He noted that Rahul has been in excellent touch, highlighted by his recent half-century against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, making this battle one to watch.

“The biggest matchup will be KL Rahul against the young fast bowlers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain. I am very excited for this contest because KL Rahul played a very good innings in the last match, scored a fifty and looked in complete control. He looked in form and is a very good player of fast bowling,” said Pathan on his YouTube channel.

Pathan further pointed out that Hinge must avoid repeating the same mistake he made against Sanju Samson in the previous game, persisting with short-pitched deliveries. He suggested that Hinge should mix up his lengths more effectively and test Rahul with fuller deliveries early in his spell.

“Regarding Hinge, as I mentioned before the last match, he should avoid bowling short balls against Sanju Samson. The first ball he bowled to him was hit for a six. Against KL Rahul, if he makes a mistake, KL Rahul will punish him. So he will need to vary his lengths. With the new ball, can he bowl a fuller length early on?,” said Pathan.

Pathan also highlighted Sakib as a bowler to watch, noting his impressive ability to execute slower deliveries with precision. He pointed out that such variations could prove especially effective against power-hitters like David Miller. Sakib has made a strong impact so far, picking up five wickets in just two matches, while maintaining an economy rate of 7 and an average of 11.20.

“On the other hand, Sakib Hussain looks like a bowler who uses the slower ball very well. Especially against batters like David Miller in the Delhi team, when he bowls the slower one and takes the ball away, that matchup is going to be brilliant. I am really looking forward to that,” said Pathan.