Veteran batters with 2000+ IPL runs don’t come cheap usually. But Rahul Tripathi slipped through at bargain rates this auction. The right-handed attacker has been doing damage at the top since 2017.
His innovative strokeplay makes bowlers rethink their plans constantly during matches. Over 2000 runs at a strike rate close to 140 tells the story. Now he’s joining yet another franchise hungry for experienced batting options.
His IPL Team for 2026
Kolkata Knight Riders grabbed Rahul Tripathi at the December 2026 auction. The IPL Team secured him at a base Price without much competition surprisingly. His experience batting at the top adds genuine quality to their lineup.
He played six games for Sunrisers Hyderabad during IPL 2024 recently. The IPL Team clearly watched those performances before making their move here. He brings familiarity with modern T20 demands that younger players lack.
His debut came way back in 2017, giving him nearly a decade of experience. The franchise gets proven batting firepower without breaking their auction budget. Rahul Tripathi understands pressure situations from years of navigating different environments.
His IPL Price Details
His IPL Price for the 19th season sits at just ₹75 Lakh currently. That’s genuinely low for someone with 2000+ IPL runs honestly! His amount dropped because recent seasons brought limited game time unfortunately.
The salary stayed at the base level without any competing bids arriving. Franchises sometimes overlook experienced players chasing younger names excitedly. This represents incredible value for a team needing reliable batting options.
Compare his salary to other established top-order batters bought recently though. Rahul Tripathi’s 2000-plus run record makes him seriously undervalued right now. The money shows experienced players sometimes get forgotten in the auction excitement.
Career Journey and Playing Style
Rahul Tripathi began his IPL journey way back in 2017. He’s played for multiple franchises accumulating those impressive 2000-plus runs slowly. His strike rate hovering near 140 shows he plays attacking cricket throughout.
His innovative strokeplay creates angles that conventional batters simply don’t have. He times the ball exceptionally well rather than relying purely on power. Six matches with the Sunrisers in 2024 kept him match-sharp before this move.
The right-hander adapts his game based on match situations intelligently. He enters this season as an experienced backup option for KKR’s top order. Expect him to deliver quality innings when injury or form creates opportunities.
