Mar 22, 2025

KL Rahul: The Stylish Batter with a Classic Touch

Few batters in world cricket combine elegance and power as effortlessly as KL Rahul. When he stands at the crease, time seems to slow down as he executes those picture-perfect cover drives that have become his signature. From uncertain beginnings to becoming India’s Mr. Reliable across formats, Rahul’s journey is one of resilience, adaptation, and undeniable class.

Remember that Sydney Test in 2015? After a disappointing debut at the MCG where he managed just 4 runs across two innings and faced mockery from the crowd, a young Rahul bounced back with a magnificent century at the SCG. That innings wasn’t just a personal milestone – it was a statement that announced the arrival of a special talent on the international stage.

KL Rahul celebrating his maiden Test century

Humble Beginnings in Karnataka

Born on April 18, 1992, in Bangalore, KL Rahul (Kannaur Lokesh Rahul) spent most of his formative years in the serene city of Mangalore. Unlike many cricket stars who come from sporting backgrounds, Rahul grew up in a family that prioritized academics. His father, K.N. Lokesh, was a professor of Civil Engineering and even served as the Director at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, while his mother taught history at Mangalore University.

Despite this scholarly environment, young Rahul found his calling on the cricket field. His early tryst with cricket began informally on the grass-less college grounds where his father worked. Even before formal training, his natural talent was evident, prompting his parents to ensure he received proper coaching.

“At ten and a half, even before receiving formal training, I was seeking out practice sessions at the Mangalore Sports Club. Cricket wasn’t just a game for me – it was an obsession.” - KL Rahul

By age twelve, Rahul was already playing competitive matches for both the Bangalore United Cricket Club and his local Mangalore club. His journey through age-group cricket eventually led him to represent India in the 2010 Under-19 World Cup, where he scored 143 runs.

Rising Through the Ranks

Rahul’s domestic cricket journey has been nothing short of impressive. The 2013-14 season proved to be his breakthrough moment when he amassed an incredible 1033 runs in the Ranji Trophy, including three centuries, helping Karnataka secure the prestigious title.

His consistent performances in the domestic circuit caught the attention of selectors, earning him a spot in the Indian Test squad for the Australia tour in 2014. Though his international debut was forgettable, what followed showcased his mental strength and technical prowess.

Key Domestic Achievements:

Triple century (337) for Karnataka against Uttar Pradesh in 2014-15
Man of the Match in the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy final
185 and 130 in the same Duleep Trophy match for South Zone

The Test Cricket Breakthrough

After a disappointing debut at the MCG, Rahul’s redemption came quickly. In just his second Test match, he scored a composed 110 off 262 balls at the Sydney Cricket Ground, forging crucial partnerships with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

This innings demonstrated not just his technique but his temperament – a quality that would define his approach to Test cricket in the years to come. His ability to adapt to different conditions has been evident through centuries in Sri Lanka, West Indies, England, and notably in South Africa, where he’s scored tons at the challenging Centurion venue in both 2021 and 2023.

KL Rahul playing in overseas conditions

The Format Versatility Master

What sets Rahul apart from many of his contemporaries is his remarkable versatility across formats. In 2016, he achieved something extraordinary – becoming the first Indian to score a century on ODI debut, hitting an unbeaten 100 against Zimbabwe.

Later that same year, he smashed an unbeaten 110 off just 51 balls in a T20I against the West Indies, becoming the fastest batsman in the world to score centuries in all three international formats, achieving this distinction in a mere 20 innings.

Format Adaptability:

8 Test centuries with composed, technical batting
7 ODI centuries, often coming in crucial situations
2 T20I centuries with a strike rate that can challenge any bowler
4 IPL centuries demonstrating his T20 prowess

The IPL Superstar

If international cricket introduced Rahul to the world, the IPL turned him into a household name. His journey in the league has been fascinating to watch – from humble beginnings with Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad to becoming one of the most sought-after batsmen in the tournament.

The real transformation came when he joined Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in 2018. Given the freedom to express himself as an opener, Rahul responded with a stunning 659 runs at a strike rate of 158.41. His consistency in the IPL has been remarkable, scoring over 500 runs in every season since 2018 (except in 2023 when he was injured).

The 2020 season was particularly special as he claimed the Orange Cap with 670 runs, establishing himself as one of the premier batsmen in the competition. His ability to play the anchor role or accelerate as needed makes him a T20 strategist’s dream.

Rahul’s IPL journey includes captaincy stints with Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, with the latter reaching the playoffs in consecutive seasons under his leadership. For IPL 2025, he embarks on a new chapter with Delhi Capitals, where he’s expected to feature in the middle order.

IPL Highlights:

Orange Cap winner in 2020 (670 runs)
Holds the record for the fastest fifty in IPL history (14 balls)
Over 4,683 runs at an impressive average of 45.46
One of only two players (alongside Virat Kohli) to score 600+ runs in a season four times

KL Rahul in IPL action

Mr. Versatile for Team India

Beyond his batting prowess, Rahul’s willingness to adapt to team needs makes him invaluable. He has batted at nearly every position in the order across formats and has even taken up wicketkeeping duties to provide the team with better balance.

This flexibility was on full display during the 2019 World Cup. Initially slotted at number 4, he moved up to open following Shikhar Dhawan’s injury and performed admirably alongside Rohit Sharma.

More recently, in the Champions Trophy 2025, Rahul played a crucial role in India’s title-winning campaign. Batting lower down the order, he scored 140 runs in just four innings at an astounding average of 140, remaining unbeaten in crucial run chases during both the semi-final and final.

His knock of 97* against Australia in the opening game of the 2023 ODI World Cup, rescuing India from a precarious 2 for 3, further cemented his reputation as a crisis man.

The Comeback King

Rahul’s career hasn’t been without challenges. He has faced inconsistency, been dropped from the team multiple times, and battled injuries that threatened to derail his progress.

After his appearance on the talk show ‘Koffee with Karan’ alongside Hardik Pandya in 2019, the resulting controversy and temporary suspension affected his confidence deeply. He has described the experience as “scarring.”

Physical setbacks have also tested his resolve. A shoulder injury forced him to miss the entire 2017 IPL season, while a quadriceps injury led to his withdrawal from the Test series against England in 2024.

What stands out, however, is his ability to bounce back stronger each time. After every setback, Rahul has returned with renewed determination, often making notable contributions upon his comeback.

“Challenges are what make you stronger. Each time I’ve faced adversity, I’ve used it as fuel to come back better.” - KL Rahul

Leadership & Captaincy

Rahul’s calm demeanor extends to his leadership as well. He has captained in one Test match, 12 ODIs, and a single T20I for India, winning 8 of those ODIs. His first stint as ODI captain came against South Africa in 2022, and he also led India to a series win against Zimbabwe.

In the IPL, he captained Punjab Kings for two seasons before moving to Lucknow Super Giants, where he led the team to playoff appearances in consecutive seasons. Jonty Rhodes, LSG’s fielding coach, praised Rahul’s ability to establish the team’s culture and approach in their formative years.

While his captaincy style has been described as more passive compared to some of his more aggressive contemporaries, his ability to maintain calmness under pressure has been a notable aspect of his leadership.

KL Rahul in captain mode

Life Beyond Cricket

Off the field, Rahul is known for his stylish persona. Considered one of India’s most fashionable cricketers, he has leveraged this image into successful business ventures, including his streetwear brand named Gully and a collaboration with Puma for an exclusive clothing line called 1der.

His personal life gained significant attention when he married Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty, daughter of veteran actor Suniel Shetty, on January 23, 2023. Their relationship, which began in early 2019, culminated in an intimate ceremony at Suniel Shetty’s farmhouse in Khandala. The couple recently announced that they are expecting their first child in April 2025, adding another exciting chapter to Rahul’s life.

As a brand, Rahul has a strong presence, endorsing products across various sectors including Bharat Pe, boAt, Realme, Puma, and many others. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his investments in several promising startups like HyugaLife, BoldFit, and Fundfina.

The Legacy Continues

At 32, KL Rahul is entering what many consider the prime years for a batsman. With the experience he has gained and the skills he has honed, his best may still be ahead of him.

Since 2020, he has maintained a better Test average in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries than stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant, highlighting his prowess in challenging overseas conditions.

As he prepares for the next phase of his career, including the upcoming IPL season with Delhi Capitals, cricket fans eagerly anticipate more of those trademark cover drives, calculated chase masterclasses, and match-winning performances.

KL Rahul isn’t just a batter; he’s a craftsman at the crease. His journey from a cricket-obsessed kid in Mangalore to one of India’s most reliable international cricketers is a testament to his talent, hard work, and resilience.

KL Rahul raising his bat