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Tag: KL Rahul

KL Rahul – India’s Technically Gifted Wicketkeeper-Batsman

KL Rahul is one of the most technically gifted and versatile cricketers in the modern Indian lineup. Known for his elegant stroke play, calm temperament, and ability to adapt across formats and roles, Rahul has become a dependable name in Indian cricket. Whether opening the innings or anchoring the middle order, keeping wickets or leading the side, KL Rahul’s cricketing intelligence and adaptability make him a true asset for Team India.

Early Life & Background

Kannaur Lokesh Rahul, commonly known as KL Rahul, was born on April 18, 1992, in Bangalore, Karnataka. Raised in a sports-loving family, his father was a professor and a former director at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, and his mother a history professor. His cricketing journey started early at the age of 11, and he represented Karnataka in age-group cricket.

Rahul rose to prominence through domestic cricket, especially with a triple century (337 runs) in the Ranji Trophy 2014–15 season. This performance played a key role in his selection to the national team.

Quick Profile Summary

Attribute Detail
Full Name Kannaur Lokesh Rahul
Born April 18, 1992 (Bangalore)
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Batting Style Right-hand bat
Role Wicketkeeper-Batsman
Teams India, Karnataka, Delhi Capitals (IPL 2025)

International Career Overview

KL Rahul made his Test debut on December 26, 2014, against Australia in Melbourne. He scored a gritty century in only his second Test. He soon became known for his temperament and stroke-making across all formats.

Test Career

  • Matches: 61

  • Runs: 3,632

  • Batting Average: 35.26

  • 100s/50s: 10/13

  • Highest Score: 199 vs England

He has centuries in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) – a rare feat for an Indian opener.

ODI Career

  • Matches: 85

  • Runs: 3,043

  • Batting Average: 49.08

  • 100s/50s: 7/20

  • Highest Score: 112

Rahul made a century on his ODI debut in 2016 against Zimbabwe – becoming the first Indian to do so.

T20I Career

  • Matches: 72

  • Runs: 2,265

  • Average: 37.75

  • Strike Rate: 142.49

  • 100s: 2

  • Highest Score: 110* vs West Indies

KL Rahul’s IPL Journey

KL Rahul has played for multiple IPL franchises including:

  • Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

  • Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

  • Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS) – where he captained for multiple seasons

  • Lucknow Super Giants – inaugural captain in 2022

  • Delhi Capitals – joined in IPL 2025

IPL Stats Snapshot

Stat Value
Matches 125+
Runs 4,500+
Centuries 5
Average ~45
Strike Rate 136+

In IPL 2025, Rahul scored 112 off 65 balls vs Gujarat Titans, becoming one of the fastest century scorers of the season. His signature celebration—raising a bat and thumping his chest—became a fan favorite.

Comeback in Test Cricket (2024–2025)

KL Rahul’s Test career was rejuvenated in the England series:

  • 2021: Century at Lord’s (129)

  • 2025: Second Lord’s century + another at Headingley (137)

These performances showed Rahul’s transformation in patience and footwork, earning praise from fans and experts alike.

Leadership & Adaptability

Rahul has captained India in all three formats and various IPL teams. He is known for his calm demeanor and flexibility:

  • Has opened, played in the middle order, and even finished matches

  • Can seamlessly switch roles between anchor and aggressor

  • Trusted as a backup wicketkeeper for India

Personal Life

KL Rahul is married to Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty, daughter of actor Suniel Shetty. The couple welcomed their daughter Evaarah Vipula Rahul on March 24, 2025.

His personal transformation, from a shy introvert to a confident team leader, mirrors his evolution as a cricketer.

Brand Endorsements & Off-field Ventures

KL Rahul is among the most marketable cricketers in India. He endorses top brands and is associated with fashion and lifestyle labels. His calm attitude, well-groomed looks, and social media presence make him a favorite among younger fans.

Achievements & Records

  • First Indian to score a century on ODI debut

  • Fastest batsman to reach centuries in all three formats (in just 20 innings)

  • Second Indian after Suresh Raina to score centuries in all formats

  • Second Indian to score a Test century at Lord’s twice

  • One of the highest run-scorers in IPL 2020 and 2021

  • Awarded the ICC Emerging Player of the Year (nominee)

Recent News & Form (2025)

  • Scored back-to-back centuries in England

  • Stellar IPL 2025 form with 3 match-winning knocks

  • Currently being considered for a return to India’s T20 setup ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup

  • Ranked among the top 5 Indian batters in ICC ODI rankings (as of June 2025)

Final Thoughts

KL Rahul’s journey—from a technically elegant batsman to a flexible team player—exemplifies modern-day cricket. With consistent performances in Tests and a revived T20 game, Rahul continues to be India’s most dependable asset across all formats.