KL Rahul

Player Profile: (KL Rahul) Kannaur Lokesh Rahul

• Full Name: Kannaur Lokesh Rahul
• Born: April 18, 1992, Bangalore, Karnataka
• Age: 31 years, 125 days
• Batting Style: Right-hand Bat
• Fielding Position: Wicketkeeper
• Playing Role: Wicketkeeper Batter

Teams:

• India
• Bangalore Brigadiers (Urban)
• India Under-19s (Young Cricketers)
• India Under-23s
• Karnataka (and Mysore)
• Karnataka State Cricket Association Colts XI
• Kings XI Punjab (now known as Punjab Kings)
• Lucknow Super Giants (now known as Lucknow IPL team)
• Royal Challengers Bangalore
• South Zone
• Sunrisers Hyderabad

Overview: Kannaur Lokesh Rahul, commonly known as KL Rahul, is a distinguished Indian cricketer recognized for his elegant right-hand batting style and his ability to serve as a wicketkeeper when needed. Born on April 18, 1992, in Bangalore, Karnataka, he has become one of the most promising opening batsmen of India’s new cricket generation.

Early Career: Rahul’s journey in cricket began when he was part of India’s squad for the 2010 Under-19 World Cup. He made his debut in first-class cricket later that year. While it took him some time to establish himself as a top-tier cricketer, his breakthrough came during the 2013-14 season when he contributed significantly to Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy victory, scoring 1033 runs, including three centuries and three nineties. He was also named the Man of the Match in the final.

IPL Journey: KL Rahul’s talent was acknowledged in the IPL auctions, and he joined Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2014 season for Rs. 1 crore. He primarily played as a wicketkeeper-batsman and delivered steady performances with the bat.

Technical Excellence: Rahul’s impressive technique and determination caught the attention of respected figures in Indian cricket, including Rahul Dravid, with whom he shares not only a name but also a strong mentor-student relationship. Rahul sought Dravid’s guidance for both technical and mental aspects of the game.

International Debut: Rahul’s consistency in the domestic circuit earned him a spot in India’s Test squad for the tour of Australia. He made his international debut during the Australian tour, and he continued to build his reputation as a reliable batsman.

International Achievements: KL Rahul had a standout IPL season in 2016, which paved the way for his inclusion in India’s ODI and T20 squads for the tour of Zimbabwe. He made history by becoming the first Indian batsman to score a century on debut in 50-over cricket.

Career Stats:

• Test Matches: 47
  • Innings: 81
  • Runs: 2642
  • Highest Score: 199
  • Average: 33.44
  • Centuries: 7
  • Half-Centuries: 13
  • Catches: 54
• ODIs: 54
  • Innings: 52
  • Runs: 1986
  • Highest Score: 112
  • Average: 45.13
  • Centuries: 5
  • Half-Centuries: 13
  • Catches: 32, Stumpings: 2
• T20Is: 72
  • Innings: 68
  • Runs: 2265
  • Highest Score: 110*
  • Average: 37.75
  • Centuries: 2
  • Half-Centuries: 22
  • Catches: 23, Stumpings: 1
• First-Class Matches: 90
  • Innings: 153
  • Runs: 6539
  • Highest Score: 337
  • Average: 44.18
  • Centuries: 17
  • Half-Centuries: 31
  • Catches: 94
• List A Matches: 106
  • Innings: 104
  • Runs: 3996
  • Highest Score: 131
  • Average: 43.91
  • Centuries: 9
  • Half-Centuries: 26
  • Catches: 70, Stumpings: 6
• T20 Matches: 212
  • Innings: 199
  • Runs: 7066
  • Highest Score: 132*
  • Average: 42.31
  • Centuries: 6
  • Half-Centuries: 61
  • Catches: 97, Stumpings: 0