On this day in 1992, a star cricketer was born in Bangalore, Karnataka, his name is Kannur Lokesh Rahul. Class, determination, grit, and temperament are the adjectives that define KL Rahul. Comfortable at the opening spot, this right-hand wicket-keeper batsman can bat at any position for the well-being of his team. An outstanding timer of the ball KL Rahul is a treat to watch across all formats. Today KL Rahul turned 30, let’s contemplate some interesting facts about KL Rahul, the elegant batter.
17 Interesting Facts About KL Rahul
- KL Rahul’s parents are well-educated and professors by occupation. His father Lokesh teaches at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, while his mother Rajeshwadi is a professor at Mangalore University.
- There is a fascinating story behind KL Rahul’s name, his father Lokesh was a huge fan of Sunil Gavaskar, however, Lokesh mistakenly thought Gavaskar’s son Rohan Gavaskar was Rahul, and named his son after him.
- Before representing India at the highest level, KL Rahul played in the 2010 U-19 World Cup, amassing 143 runs in 6 matches. Mayank Agarwal and Mandeep Singh were also a part of that team.
- Rahul’s India call-up came in a classy manner. KL was playing in Duleep Trophy 2014-15, where he scored 185 and 130 respectively in the 1st and 2nd innings, which rewarded him a Man of the Match trophy and a place in the Indian test side for the Australia tour.
- Making his international debut in the 2014 Boxing day test in Australia, Rahul hit his maiden international ton in the 2nd test in Sydney, 110 runs.
- The ace batsman became the first Indian to smash a century on his ODI debut in 2016 in Harare against Zimbabwe, 100* off 115 balls.
- KL Rahul is overall the third Indian batter to score a century in all three formats.
8. KL Rahul’s cricketing idol is current Indian team coach Rahul Dravid, he shares a great bonding with him.
9. In the Ranji Trophy, KL Rahul is the first Karnataka player to hit a triple ton. KL achieved this feat in the 2014-15 Ranji trophy season against Uttar Pradesh, 337 off 448 balls.
10. KL Rahul’s got a nickname, KL.
11. The talented Karnataka lad started his IPL journey with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013, later in 2014 Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for 1 Cr. After spending 1 year with SRH, KL again got into the RCB squad for the 2016 IPL. Therefore, Rahul had a 3 years stint with Punjab Kings (2018-2021), playing as a captain and wicket-keeper batsman. Currently, Rahul is the skipper of the newly added franchise Lucknow Supergiants.
12. In the 2020 IPL, Rahul accumulated 670 runs in 14 matches and won the Orange Cap.
13. KL Rahul scripted history in the 2022 IPL against Mumbai and became the 1st player to make a hundred in his 100th IPL game, with 103 runs in 60 balls.
14. In 2019, due to some controversial comments made on the “Koffee With Karan” show, the BCCI suspended him for a few days.
15. KL Rahul has been dating famous Actor Sunil Shetty’s daughter Athiya Shetty since 2021, the couple is often seen posting pictures together on social media. The couple tied the knot on 23rd January 2023 in Mumbai.
16. KL Rahul’s estimated net worth is $12 million.
17. The classy batter’s jersey number is 10.
Also check out KL Rahul & Athiya Shetty Wedding photos here.
Senior Cricket Content Editor at Skyblogs Cricket.
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