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.
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.
| 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) |
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.
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.
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.
Matches: 72
Runs: 2,265
Average: 37.75
Strike Rate: 142.49
100s: 2
Highest Score: 110* vs West Indies
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
| 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
Ravindra Jadeja made sure that KL Rahul didn’t forget what happened just a few days ago at Edgbaston. During Day 1 of the third Test against England at Lord’s, Jadeja was seen warning Rahul at first slip when he felt he wasn’t paying full attention. The reminder came as Jadeja bowled the 57th over and…
