Name: Kannaur Lokesh Rahul
Born: 18 April 1992, Bengaluru (raised in Mangalore)
Nickname: KL
Role: Right-handed batsman, occasional wicketkeeper
Height: 5’11” (180 cm)
Batting Style: Right-hand bat
Bowling: Occasional part-time
Introduction
KL Rahul, also known as Kannur Lokesh Rahul, is one of the most stylish and dependable cricketers in Indian cricket. Known for his elegant stroke play and versatility, he has successfully adapted to all formats of the game—Tests, ODIs, and T20s. Whether opening the innings or keeping wickets, KL Rahul has showcased consistency, composure, and class, making him a key figure in the Indian team lineup.
👨👩👧👦 Early & Personal Life
Born to Dr. K. N. Lokesh (former NITK director/professor) and Rajeshwari Lokesh (history professor), Rahul grew up in a scholarly, Kannada-speaking household . His father was inspired by cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, leading to Rahul’s unique naming.
Education:
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NITK English Medium School, Surathkal
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St. Aloysius College, Mangalore
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Bachelor of Commerce, Jain University, Bengaluru
He began training at age 10 and progressed through Bangalore United CC and state age-group teams.
Personal Life: Married actress Athiya Shetty on 23 January 2023. They welcomed their daughter, Evaarah, in March 2025 .
🏏 Domestic & U‑19 Career
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Played for India U‑19 in the 2010 World Cup
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First-class debut: 2010–11 Ranji Trophy for Karnatak
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Break-out season (2013–14): 1,033 runs in Ranji Trophy, key to Karnataka’s title
🌟 IPL Career
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Teams: RCB (2013, 2016), SRH (2014–2015), Punjab Kings (2018–2021), Lucknow Super Giants (2022–present)
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IPL 2018: Scored fastest IPL fifty in 14 balls; finished 3rd in scoring
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IPL 2020: Won Orange Cap with 670 runs
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Captaincy: Led Punjab Kings (2020–21) and inaugural Lucknow Super Giants (2022 onwards)
🌍 International Career
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Test debut: 26 Dec 2014 vs Australia, Melbourne
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ODI debut: 11 June 2016 vs Zimbabwe; scored unbeaten 100 – first Indian to score hundred on ODI debut
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T20I debut: 18 June 2016 vs Zimbabwe
Notable Feats:
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Fastest Indian to score centuries across all three formats (just 20 innings)
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Seven consecutive Test fifties in 2017 – first Indian, 6th overall
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Hit-wicket dismissal in T20I – rarest form of dismissal
📊 Career Stats (approx. as of July 2025)
| Format | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s | SR/T20 SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 58 | 3,257 | 33.6 | 8 | 17 | – |
| ODI | 82 | 2,944 | 48.3 | 7 | 18 | 87.7 |
| T20I | 72 | 2,265 | 37.8 | 2 | 22 | 139.1 |
| IPL | 226 | 7,586 | 41.9 | 6 | 65 | 135.9 |
🏆 Records & Awards
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Century on ODI debut
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Fastest IPL fifty (14 balls)
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Third Indian to notch centuries in all formats
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Wisden Cricketer of the Year 2018
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Eklavya Award by Karnataka Govt.
🧠 Playing Style & Strengths
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Technically sound with fluent drives and flicks
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Versatile: opener, middle-order, wicketkeeper
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Calm under pressure, sharp wicketkeeping, agile in field
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Excellent fitness, mental resilience, and tactical adaptability
🧘 Off the Field – Personality & Ventures
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Fashion-conscious, fitness enthusiast
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Brand ambassador: Puma, Red Bull, boAt, BharatPe, Gully, etc.
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Co-founder of streetwear brand Gully and investor in wellness startups
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Active on social media: 16M Instagram, 8M Twitter
💸 Net Worth & Earnings
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BCCI annual contract: ~₹5 crore
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IPL 2025 contract: ₹17 crore/year with Lucknow Super Giants
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Endorsements: Estimated $4–5 million/year
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Total net worth: Approx ₹50–75 crore (~$12–15M)
⚠️ Controversies
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2016: Beer bottle photo during West Indies tour – removed at BCCI’s request
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2017: Twitter spat with fan
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2019: Comments on “Koffee with Karan” sparked backlash
🔚 Summary
KL Rahul’s journey—from a promising kid in Mangalore to an international star—illustrates his resilience, adaptability, and class. With stellar performances across IPL and international cricket, strategic leadership, and keen off-field ventures, he stands tall as a modern sporting icon.
Despite setbacks, his demeanour and performance improvements underscore why he remains a key figure for India.
✅ FAQs about KL Rahul
Q: When did KL Rahul score his first international century?
A: He scored 100* on ODI debut vs Zimbabwe, 11 June 2016
Q: Which IPL team is he captaining in 2025?
A: Lucknow Super Giants since 2022 .
Q: How fast did he score his IPL fifty?
A: In just 14 balls vs Delhi, IPL 2018 .
Q: Is KL Rahul a wicketkeeper?
A: Yes, he keeps wicket in limited‑overs and occasionally in Tests .
Q: Who is Athiya Shetty?
A: His wife, Bollywood actress and Suniel Shetty’s daughter; they married in Jan 2023 .