KL Rahul is an Indian batter and occasional wicketkeeper known for his adaptability across positions and formats for India.
Kannaur Lokesh Rahul was born on 18 April 1992 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India, and developed into one of the most technically accomplished and versatile batters in Indian cricket, capable of opening the innings, batting in the middle order, and keeping wicket. Rahul made his Test debut against Australia in 2014, and has represented India across all formats, becoming the vice-captain of the national Test team and playing extensively for franchise teams in the Indian Premier League, including stints with Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. Rahul has scored centuries in all three formats of international cricket for India, and represents Karnataka in domestic competition, having also captained Lucknow Super Giants during their inaugural IPL seasons. Rahul has continued to be a mainstay of India's batting order across formats, currently playing for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, and married Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty in 2023, remaining one of the most stylish and reliable top-order batters in the Indian national team.
Versatile Indian top-order batter and wicketkeeper
He scored 199 against England at Edgbaston in 2021 — the highest score by an Indian visiting batsman in England in many years.
Did You Know?How They Played
KL Rahul is an elegant right-handed batsman known for his classical technique and wide range of shots around the wicket. He possesses excellent timing and can adapt his game according to the format, being equally comfortable as an aggressive opener in T20s or a patient accumulator in Test cricket. His wicket-keeping skills add versatility to his profile, making him a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket.
Lasting Impact
KL Rahul has established himself as one of India's most reliable and versatile batsmen of the modern era, contributing significantly to the team's success across all formats while setting high standards for wicket-keeper batsmen.
Career Honours
- none major individual titles
| Club | Period | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucknow Super Giants | 2022–2024 | 50 | 1798 |
| Karnataka | 2013–2024 | 57 | 4006 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2013–2021 | — | — |
| Punjab Kings | 2018–2021 | — | — |