The Ranchi-born right-handed batsman burst into the scene from nowhere after putting up a stupendous show for Rising Pune Supergiant in the 10th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Ranchi-born batsman had shown no signs of his inherent capabilities - having performed rather modestly in all formats of the game until then. <br/> <br/> Son of a man who came from a cricketing background - the senior Tripathi featured for the junior Uttar Pradesh team and had also served stints in university cricket, a transfer to Pune meant that Rahul got the opportunity of honing his skills at one of the oldest academies around - Deccan Gymkhana. <br/> <br/> Rahul Tripathi made his international debut and played 5 T20Is at home in 2023 when the senior players were rested. Batting at three, he made a couple of notable contributions but lost his spot with the return of the regulars. <br/> <br/> <b>IPL through the years</b> <br/> <br/> Rahul Tripathi was one of the finds of the 2017 IPL as he stunned everyone, first with his selection in the Rising Pune Supergiant side and then with his skill set. A top-order batsman with a lot of flair and a penchant to clear the infield with ease, Tripathi unsettled pacers and spinners alike with his nimble footwork and hand-eye coordination. Given that his domestic numbers across formats weren't great to begin with, his selection did raise eyebrows, especially in the playing XI but it turned out to be a masterstroke by the RPS management as he played a crucial role in the team’s campaign which saw them making their first IPL final. <br/> <br/> With the franchise disbanded, Tripathi found himself in the Rajasthan Royals but barely got the opportunity to open the batting. With the finisher’s role not being his cup of tea, he struggled for consistency - two years for Rajasthan and the next two for Kolkata Knight Riders. Although he entered the auctions with a base price of Rs 40 lakh, the then uncapped player was picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad for 8.50 Cr and he amassed over 400 runs in IPL 2022 batting mostly at three. While he didn't shine in the following season, Tripathi - playing only the latter part of the tournament - showed that he can adapt and play according to the situation perfectly in the 2024 season. <br/> <br/> After being picked up by Chennai Super Kings, Rahul Tripathi was expected to rediscover his rhythm in a stable setup. However, the 2025 season turned out to be a disappointing one for the right-hander. Tripathi managed just 55 runs in 5 innings, averaging 11.00 with a strike rate of 96.49 - numbers that were well below his usual standards. His struggles were evident as he failed to get going at the top, often falling early while trying to force the pace. Unlike previous seasons where his intent translated into impactful starts, 2025 saw him unable to convert opportunities into meaningful contributions. With limited chances and inconsistent form, Tripathi never quite settled into a defined role within the XI. In a season where CSK themselves struggled collectively, his inability to provide solidity at the top only compounded their issues. <br/> <br/> Heading into IPL 2026, Tripathi finds himself under pressure like never before. Once seen as a fearless top-order disruptor, he now has to rebuild both confidence and consistency. The expectations are clear: rediscover his dominance, get back to his natural stroke-making game and needs to stay relevant, as a strong season could revive his career. For Rahul Tripathi, IPL 2026 isn’t just another season - it’s a reset button. He’s been here before, rising from obscurity in 2017 to become one of the finds of the tournament. Now, with his back against the wall, he’ll need to summon that same fearless energy again, because in the IPL, reputations fade quickly, but one good season is all it takes to bring them roaring back.