In today’s fast-scoring T20 cricket, batsmen are happy to bowl in any way they can. While cleanly timed shots and big sixes remain the most satisfying shots for hitters, the aggressive nature of the format often forces players into errant shots.
However, some batsmen have managed to combine attacking cricket with great control.KL Rahul was one such batsman for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. The opener scored 593 runs in 14 matches at an average of 45.61 and a career best strike rate of 174.41. His season included a century, a record not out against Punjab Kings – 152 – the first 150-plus score by an Indian in IPL history – and five fifties.
Rahul has also hit 31 sixes this season, which is the second highest by a DC batsman after Rishabh Pant, who hit 37 sixes in the 2018 season.Despite batting at a high strike rate, Rahul has the lowest misfire percentage this season at 12.1, according to CricViz, as quoted by news agency ANI. This means that approximately 88% of his shots connected correctly.The players closest to him include Dhruv Gurriel of Rajasthan Royals and Heinrich Klaassen of Sunrisers Hyderabad, both with a foul shot percentage of 12.6.Gurriel scored 458 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of over 149, including five fifties, while Klaassen made 606 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of above 159 with six fifties.
Rajasthan Royals’ pacer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also showed great control despite his attacking style. The 15-year-old has scored 583 runs in 14 matches at an average of 41.64 and a strike rate of over 232, including a century, three fifties and 53 sixes. His foul shot percentage is 17.8, which is the same as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli.On the other hand, some hitters were able to put up strong numbers despite committing more errors.
Cooper Connolly of the Punjab Kings has the highest fake shot percentage this season at 25.6. He still scored 491 runs in 13 innings at an average of 44.63 and a strike rate of 163.12, including a century and two fifties.Orange Cap holder Sai Sudharsan of Gujarat Titans has a foul shot percentage of 18.1. He scored 638 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 157.92, with a century and seven fifties, and managed to make the most of scoring opportunities despite a higher error rate.
