KL Rahul’s journey into the cricketing limelight began when he caught everyone’s attention with his remarkable performance in the 2014–15 Duleep Trophy, where he smashed an impressive 185 runs off 233 balls in the first innings and followed it up with a stellar 130 runs off 152 balls in the second innings. KL Rahul Biography.
Hailing from Karnataka, this right-handed batsman made his debut in Test cricket during the Boxing Day Test of 2014 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It was in his second Test appearance that KL Rahul truly made his mark by achieving his maiden Test century, sparking widespread recognition and acclaim.
KL Rahul’s reputation as a cricket sensation soared even higher when he etched his name in history as the first Indian to achieve a century on his One Day International (ODI) debut. Furthermore, he joined an elite group by becoming the third Indian to accomplish the feat of scoring a century across all three formats of international cricket.
KL Rahul Cricket Career
KL Rahul’s cricketing journey commenced with his diligent practice and participation in the Karnataka under-14 and under-16 teams. He marked his debut in first-class cricket for Karnataka during the 2010–11 season. Notably, in the 2013–14 domestic season, he emerged as the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 1,033 first-class runs.
A significant moment arrived during the 2014–15 Duleep Trophy final when he represented South Zone against Central Zone, making waves with a brilliant 185 off 233 balls in the first innings and 130 off 152 in the second. This remarkable performance earned him the Player of the Match title and paved his way to the Indian Test squad for the Australian tour. KL Rahul Biography.
Rahul’s Test career began during the 2014 Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, where he showcased his potential. He secured his place by scoring a century in his second Test appearance and went on to achieve a century across all three formats, joining a select few Indian cricketers to achieve this feat.
His journey extended to ODIs and T20Is, where he continued to make an impact. Rahul’s achievements spanned various formats, including setting records for the fastest centuries and becoming a key player in India’s World Cup campaigns. In the IPL, he established his reputation as a dynamic batsman, leading him to captaincy roles and achieving milestones such as scoring centuries in high-stakes matches. His prowess in cricket has made him a standout performer in various arenas.
KL Rahul Family
Kannaur Lokesh Rahul, popularly known as KL Rahul, was born on April 18, 1992, in the vibrant city of Mangaluru, Karnataka, India. Raised in a family deeply rooted in academics, KL Rahul’s journey from being a promising cricketer to a celebrated figure in the sport reflects his dedication and passion for the game. KL Rahul Biography.
His father, KN Lokesh, is a distinguished professor and a former director at the renowned National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) in Mangalore. Alongside him, his mother, Rajeshwari, holds the esteemed position of a professor at Mangalore University. With such a supportive family, KL Rahul’s formative years were marked by a nurturing environment that encouraged his growth in both academics and sports. KL Rahul Biography.
Interestingly, his father’s admiration for the legendary Sunil Gavaskar led to a unique twist in KL Rahul’s name. While intending to name his son after Gavaskar, he ended up mistakenly choosing the name Rahul after Gavaskar’s son, Rohan Gavaskar. This name, though serendipitous, would eventually become synonymous with cricketing excellence.
KL Rahul’s educational journey began at NITK English Medium School in Mangalore, where he laid the foundations for his future pursuits. His high school years were marked by an early interest in cricket, prompting him to take up training in the sport at the age of 10. At just 12 years old, he began participating in matches for both the Bangalore United Cricket Club and his local Mangalore club, setting the stage for his remarkable cricketing career.
After completing his high school education, KL Rahul continued his pre-university studies at St. Aloysius College. His cricketing prowess was evident during this time, as he honed his skills on the field and displayed his potential as a rising talent in the sport. Recognizing his passion and talent, he moved to Bangalore at the age of 18 to pursue higher education at Jain University while simultaneously nurturing his cricketing aspirations.
KL Rahul’s entry into the cricketing world was marked by dedication and determination. He made his first-class cricket debut for Karnataka during the 2010–11 season, embarking on a journey that would see him evolve into a formidable force in the sport. His journey through the ranks included notable achievements, such as scoring 1,033 first-class runs during the 2013–14 domestic season, which earned him the distinction of being the second-highest run-scorer of that season.
A significant turning point came during the 2014–15 Duleep Trophy final, where he exhibited remarkable batting performances for South Zone. His innings of 185 off 233 balls in the first innings and 130 off 152 balls in the second garnered attention and accolades, catapulting him into the Indian Test squad for the Australian tour. This marked the beginning of his international journey.
KL Rahul’s foray into Test cricket occurred during the 2014 Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, Australia. His impactful debut showcased his potential, and he quickly secured his place in the Indian Test team. His contributions spanned across formats, with remarkable milestones in ODIs and T20Is as well. His unwavering commitment to excellence earned him the distinction of being the first Indian cricketer to score a century on his ODI debut, as well as the third Indian cricketer to achieve centuries across all three formats of international cricket.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), KL Rahul carved a niche for himself with consistent performances, captaining teams and amassing records along the way. His cricketing journey is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and unwavering passion for the sport. From his early days of training and playing for local clubs to becoming a household name in international cricket, KL Rahul’s story resonates with aspiring cricketers and fans alike. As he continues to evolve and contribute to the sport, his legacy in the cricketing world remains an inspiring one.
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 KL Rahul Controversies
In January 2019, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took the decision to suspend Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul due to their controversial remarks on the talk show “Koffee with Karan.” Consequently, both players were excluded from the ODI series against Australia and India’s tour to New Zealand. However, following the lifting of their suspension on January 24, 2019, Rahul’s return to the squad was marked by his rejoining the India A matches. KL Rahul Biography.
KL Rahul’s individuality is also reflected in his choice of tattoos. His body art includes a depiction of his dog Simba’s face and name on his right back, a tribal tattoo on his left arm, and an inscription “Deshi Basara” translating to “rise up” on his right forearm. Notably, his tattoos extend to a lighthouse on his left forearm and a clock design with an all-seeing eye on his left biceps. Furthermore, the Roman numerals “284” find their place on his right abdomen and ribs, while his wrists are adorned with the names of his parents.
The cricket star’s affluence is manifest in his possessions, which encompass a residence valued at Rs. 65 lakhs in Mangalore and a Mercedes AMG C43 SUV priced at Rs. 75 lakhs. In addition, his collection of cars, totalling four, is estimated to be worth 2.5 crores, although specific details remain undisclosed. KL Rahul Biography.
KL Rahul’s prominence goes beyond the cricket field, extending into the realm of brand endorsements. He has collaborated with several renowned brands such as boAt, Zenovit, and Cure. fit, Gully, Puma, Alpino health foods, BharatPe, and even the Reserve Bank of India. Notably, he and Athiya Shetty, his partner, joined forces to promote NumiParis, an eyewear brand, showcasing their influence and presence beyond the boundaries of cricket.
 KL Rahul Awards and Achievements
During the 2016 IPL season, KL Rahul’s noteworthy performance led to his recognition as the wicketkeeper in both the Cricinfo and Cricbuzz IPL XI. He managed to accumulate a total of 397 runs during the season, achieving a personal best of 68 not out. The 2018 IPL Auction saw Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) secure KL Rahul for a substantial price of INR 11 crore, ranking as the joint-third highest bid in IPL history. His exceptional contributions to cricket were acknowledged with the Cricketer of the Year award in the sixth edition of the Wisden India Almanack, which took place in 2018. In the same IPL season, KL Rahul’s outstanding performances led to his inclusion in both the Cricinfo and Cricbuzz IPL XI. During IPL 2018, he recorded an impressive tally of 659 runs at an average of 54.91.
KL Rahul’s accomplishments extended to various formats of the game. He became the first player from Karnataka to achieve a triple century in the Ranji Trophy. Notably, he made history as the first Indian batsman to secure a century during his ODI debut in 2016. Furthermore, he exhibited his exceptional skills by setting a record for the fastest century in a T20 match by an Indian in 2016. This remarkable feat was achieved in just 46 balls, despite his team experiencing defeat.
Unique milestones continued to define KL Rahul’s career. He stands as the sole batsman to have scored a century in the opening innings as an opener in both ODIs and Tests. In T20I history, he became the first player to attain a century (110*) while batting at the number 4 position or lower. KL Rahul also secured the distinction of being the only player to reach a century with a six across all formats of the game. However, his journey also experienced a distinctive setback as he became the first Indian batsman to be dismissed hit-wicket in T20Is.
A significant landmark emerged in 2017, as KL Rahul achieved the record of becoming the fastest player to register centuries in all three formats of international cricket, accomplishing this remarkable feat within just 20 innings. Adding to his list of achievements, he set a new record by scoring the fastest 50 in IPL history during the opening match of the IPL 2018 season. This milestone was reached in only 14 balls, surpassing Sunil Narine’s previous record. In the 2021 IPL season, KL Rahul continued to shine, amassing 626 runs and clinching the title of the team’s highest scorer.
Heading into the IPL 2022 Mega Auction, KL Rahul’s prowess garnered substantial recognition as the Lucknow Super Giants acquired his services for a considerable sum of INR 17 crore. This positioned him as the joint highest-paid cricketer in the Indian Premier League alongside Virat Kohli. A monumental achievement marked Rahul’s journey on April 16, 2022, when he achieved the distinction of being the first player to score a century on their 100th game (player’s 100th game) in IPL history after his century against Mumbai Indians.
