KL Rahul, full name Kannur Lokesh Rahul, is a prominent Indian international cricketer known for his versatile batting and wicket-keeping skills. Born on April 18, 1992, in Mangalore, Karnataka, Rahul has established himself as a crucial player for the Indian cricket team across all formats. His ability to adapt his game to suit Test, ODI, and T20 cricket has made him one of the most valuable players in the Indian cricket setup. Rahul is right-handed and has the distinction of being one of the few Indian batsmen to have scored a century in all three formats of international cricket.
Biography
KL Rahul’s journey in cricket began in his hometown of Mangalore, where he was introduced to the sport at a young age. His talent was evident early on, leading him to move to Bangalore for better cricketing opportunities. He attended the National Cricket Academy and played for Karnataka in domestic cricket, making significant contributions across formats. Rahul’s first-class debut came in the 2010-11 season, but it was his performance in the 2013-14 domestic season, including a double century in the Ranji Trophy, that truly announced his arrival on the national scene.
Rahul’s international debut came in 2014 during the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne. Despite a tough start to his Test career, he showcased his mettle by scoring his maiden Test century in his second Test match. Over the years, Rahul has grown in stature, adapting his technique and temperament to excel in limited-overs cricket as well.
Sporting Achievements
KL Rahul’s sporting achievements are a testament to his talent and hard work. He is the first Indian to score a century on ODI debut and has several records to his name, including the fastest fifty in the IPL, which he scored off just 14 balls for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2018. In Test cricket, Rahul has multiple centuries, including a memorable 199 against England in Chennai, showcasing his ability to play long and impactful innings.
In T20 internationals, Rahul has been a consistent performer for India, often providing solid starts and accelerating the innings when needed. His versatility has allowed him to bat at various positions, adapting his game to the team’s requirements.
Rahul’s achievements in the IPL have been equally impressive, winning the Orange Cap for being the tournament’s leading run-scorer in 2020. His leadership skills have also been highlighted during his tenure as captain of Punjab Kings, demonstrating his cricketing intelligence and calm demeanor on the field.
Beyond his batting prowess, Rahul has also contributed as a wicketkeeper, adding further value to his team. His journey from a young talent to one of the mainstays of the Indian cricket team is an inspiring story of dedication, resilience, and continuous improvement.
Player Stats
Batting & Fielding
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
| Tests | 50 | 86 | 2 | 2863 | 199 | 34.08 | 5481 | 52.23 | 8 | 14 | 345 | 24 | 62 | 0 |
| ODIs | 75 | 70 | 14 | 2820 | 112 | 50.35 | 3211 | 87.82 | 7 | 18 | 224 | 61 | 62 | 5 |
| T20Is | 72 | 68 | 8 | 2265 | 110* | 37.75 | 1628 | 139.12 | 2 | 22 | 191 | 99 | 23 | 1 |
| FC | 93 | 158 | 5 | 6760 | 337 | 44.18 | 12427 | 54.39 | 18 | 32 | 845 | 57 | 102 | 0 |
| List A | 127 | 122 | 19 | 4830 | 131 | 46.89 | 5905 | 81.79 | 11 | 31 | 393 | 92 | 100 | 9 |
| T20s | 212 | 199 | 32 | 7066 | 132* | 42.31 | 5202 | 135.83 | 6 | 61 | 598 | 292 | 97 | 8 |
Bowling
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Tests | 50 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| ODIs | 75 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| T20Is | 72 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| FC | 93 | 9 | 168 | 83 | 0 | – | – | – | 2.96 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 127 | 3 | 21 | 42 | 1 | 1/23 | 1/23 | 42.00 | 12.00 | 21.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20s | 212 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |