Kagiso Rabada rewrote the history books by breaking two all-time records during the first qualifier of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) at Dharamshala on Tuesday (May 26). The South African pacer continued his red-hot form in the season by getting an early wicket for the Titans again.

Rabada struck in his first over of the evening by dismissing Venkatesh Iyer (19 off 7), who made a quick start. This was the 31-year-old's 25th wicket in the season this year and 18th in the powerplay, which has seen him hit an unprecedented high.

Rabada broke Mohammed Shami's all-time record for the most wickets in the powerplay in a single season. The Indian cricket legend had also set the record while playing for the Titans in the 2023 season of the IPL in which they played the final.

Most Wickets In Powerplay In IPL History

Meanwhile, this marks the third instance of Rabada taking 25 (or more wickets) in a single edition of the IPL. The South African also took 25 and 30 wickets in the 2019 and 2020 seasons for the Delhi Capitals (DC). He is the first player in history with three seasons of 25 or more wickets. Dwayne Bravo was the only other player with multiple such seasons.

Players to Take 25 Or More Wickets In An IPL Season Most Times

Rabada has 144 wickets to his name in just 99 matches in the IPL. Apart from DC (2017 to 2021) and GT (2025-present), he has also played for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) from 2022 to 2025. His tally of six four-wicket hauls is the second-best by a pacer in the league's history behind only Lasith Malinga.

The South African ended his spell with figures of 2-54 in four overs. His tally of 26 wickets sees him hold the purple cap at the end of the first innings. Bhuvneshwar (24) has the chance to go past him.

GetLatest NewsLive on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines fromCricket,IPL 2026,IPL Points Table, and around theSports.

Aayush Kataria is a Senior Copy Editor at Times Network with four years of experience, having started his career in the organisation. He is a key memb...View More

Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now