Kannaur Lokesh Rahul, popularly known as KL Rahul, is an Indian international cricketer who plays as a right-handed wicket-keeper batter. He was born on April 18, 1992, in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Rahul made his Test debut on December 26, 2014, against Australia, his ODI debut on June 11, 2016, against Zimbabwe, and his T20I debut on June 18, 2016, against Zimbabwe.

Rahul is widely regarded as one of the most stylish and elegant batsmen in world cricket, known for his perfect technique, crisp drives, and ability to play both pace and spin with equal ease. He has been a key member of the Indian batting lineup across all three formats and has also taken up wicketkeeping duties in limited-overs cricket.

Rahul has the unique distinction of scoring centuries on both his ODI and T20I debuts, a feat achieved by very few players. He has also been the captain of the Indian ODI team and has led the side with distinction. His versatility to bat at any position in the order – from opening to middle-order – makes him one of India’s most valuable players.

Rahul’s importance to the Indian team cannot be overstated. He provides the perfect balance as a wicket-keeper batter and is often the anchor of the innings. His ability to rotate strike and accelerate when needed makes him a complete batsman in all formats.

KL Rahul was born on April 18, 1992, in Bangalore, Karnataka, to Lokesh and Rajeshwari. His father was a professor at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) in Surathkal, Mangalore, where Rahul spent a significant part of his childhood.

Rahul’s cricketing journey began at a very young age. He played tennis-ball cricket in the streets of Mangalore and was encouraged by his parents to take up the sport seriously. He joined the Karnataka Cricket Association (KCA) academy and began training under coach Sanath Kumar.

Rahul’s talent was evident early on. He represented Karnataka in the U-16 and U-19 teams and made his first-class debut for Karnataka in the 2010-11 Ranji Trophy season at the age of 18. His performances in domestic cricket earned him a call-up to the Indian national team in 2014.

Rahul’s journey from a small town in Karnataka to the Indian national team is a testament to his hard work, determination, and natural talent.

KL Rahul started his domestic career for Karnataka in 2010. He made his first-class debut for Karnataka in the 2010-11 Ranji Trophy season.

Ranji Trophy: Rahul has been a prolific run-scorer for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy, scoring over 8,000 runs in first-class cricket at an average of over 45, with 25 centuries and 42 fifties. He played a crucial role in Karnataka winning the Ranji Trophy in 2013-14 and 2014-15.

IPL Career: Rahul made his IPL debut in 2013 for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has played for multiple franchises including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings (captain), Lucknow Super Giants (captain), and Delhi Capitals. He has scored over 5,800 runs in the IPL, making him one of the tournament’s leading run-scorers.

Vijay Hazare Trophy: Rahul returned to represent Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in January 2026 after a six-year gap, showcasing his commitment to domestic cricket.

KL Rahul made his Test debut on December 26, 2014, against Australia in Melbourne. He scored a 3 on debut but followed it up with a century in the next Test at Sydney, scoring 110. In 67 Test matches, he has scored 4,053 runs at an average of 35.86, with 11 centuries and 20 fifties. His highest Test score is 199, which he scored against England in Chennai in 2021. He has been India’s most reliable opener in Test cricket and has also batted in the middle order when required. He scored his 12th Test century (100) against Afghanistan in June 2026 in New Chandigarh.

Rahul made his ODI debut on June 11, 2016, against Zimbabwe. He scored a century (100*) on debut, becoming only the second Indian to do so. He has played 94 ODIs, amassing 3,360 runs at an average of 50.90, with 8 centuries and 20 fifties. His highest ODI score is 112*, which he scored against New Zealand in January 2026. He has been a key member of India’s ODI squad and has also captained the team. He scored his 8th ODI century (112*) against New Zealand in Rajkot in January 2026.

Rahul made his T20I debut on June 18, 2016, against Zimbabwe. He scored a century (100*) on debut, becoming the first Indian to score a century on T20I debut. He has played 72 T20Is, scoring 2,265 runs at an average of 37.75, with 2 centuries and 22 fifties. His highest T20I score is 110*, which he scored against West Indies in 2016. He was India’s vice-captain in the 2021 T20 World Cup.

• First Indian to score a century on T20I debut (100* vs Zimbabwe, 2016).
• Only the second Indian to score a century on ODI debut (100* vs Zimbabwe, 2016).
• Only Indian wicket-keeper to score 50+ in all three formats.
• Fastest Indian to score 2,000 runs in T20Is (in terms of innings).
• Most runs in a single IPL season by a captain (2020 with Punjab Kings – 670 runs).
• First Indian to score 150+ in an IPL innings (152* vs PBKS, 2026).
• Most sixes in a single IPL season by an Indian (2020 – 39 sixes).
• Scored centuries in all three formats of the game.
• Won the IPL Orange Cap in 2020 (670 runs).
• Recipient of the BCCI Best International Debut Award (2016).

KL Rahul’s IPL journey began in 2013 when he was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has played for multiple franchises and has been a key player for each team.

IPL Records: He has scored 5,815 runs at an average of 46.00 and a strike rate of 139.15, with 6 centuries and 45 fifties. His highest IPL score is 152*, the highest by an Indian in IPL history, which he scored for Delhi Capitals against Punjab Kings in 2026.

🔥 Breaking News IPL 2026 – The Record-Breaking Season: In the 2026 IPL season, KL Rahul had a sensational campaign for Delhi Capitals. He scored 593 runs in 14 matches at an average of 45.61 and a career-best strike rate of 174.41. He smashed a record-breaking 152* off 67 balls against Punjab Kings, becoming the first Indian to score 150+ in an IPL innings. He finished with 5 half-centuries and a century, ending as the 4th highest run-scorer of the season.

Rahul has been the captain of Punjab Kings (2020-2021) and Lucknow Super Giants (2022-2024), leading both teams to the playoffs. He is one of the most consistent batsmen in IPL history.

KL Rahul married Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty on January 23, 2023, in a private ceremony in Udaipur. Athiya is the daughter of veteran actor Suniel Shetty.

Rahul is known for his calm and composed personality off the field. He is a fitness enthusiast and is known for his stylish looks. He enjoys music, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Rahul has been involved in charity work, supporting various causes including child welfare and education. He is also a brand ambassador for several major brands.