Manjrekar Unimpressed After Indian Openers Miss Out on Big Scores
India openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal came under the scanner after throwing away solid starts on Day 1 of the Manchester Test against England. Sent into bat by England…
Early Life and Background
Kannur Lokesh Rahul, popularly known as KL Rahul, was born on April 18, 1992, in Bangalore, Karnataka, to a middle-class Hindu family. His father, Dr. KN Lokesh, is a professor and former director at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Karnataka, and his mother, Rajeshwari, is a professor at Mangalore University. Rahul grew up in the educational town of Mangalore and was initially more inclined toward academics. However, he soon found his passion in cricket.
He began training at the age of 10 and started playing for Bangalore United Cricket Club and later for his school team, St. Aloysius. At 18, he moved to Bangalore to pursue his cricketing career seriously and enrolled at Jain University, which allowed him to balance studies and sport.
Fitness & Lifestyle
KL Rahul not only showcases his cricketing talent but also reflects a composed personality and strong professionalism off the field. He speaks softly and maintains discipline, handling media attention with grace. He rarely lets the spotlight shift his focus. His stylish dressing and calm demeanor make him a youth icon. Leading fashion magazines regularly feature him, and organizers often invite him to lifestyle events and panel discussions.
He constantly seeks self-improvement, both as a cricketer and as an individual. Rahul often discusses the importance of mental health in sports and highlights how mindfulness and emotional balance play as big a role as physical strength. He follows a structured daily routine that includes meditation, goal-setting, and quality time with family—habits that help him stay grounded. Whether he trains hard in the gym, recovers from injuries, or prepares mentally for intense matches, Rahul brings strong inner discipline that distinguishes him in the high-pressure world of cricket.
Hobbies and Public Persona
Outside cricket, Rahul has a flair for fashion, music, and travel. He has featured in various fashion magazines and endorses several lifestyle brands. His style is often described as effortless and modern. KL Rahul is also a dog lover and often posts photos with his pets. Despite being in the public eye, he retains a calm and composed demeanor, which he carries both on and off the field.
Relationship and Marriage
KL Rahul got engaged to Bollywood actress and model Athiya Shetty, daughter of actor Suniel Shetty. The couple tied the knot on January 23, 2023, in a private ceremony at the Shetty farmhouse in Khandala. Their relationship had drawn public attention for a few years before they officially married.
They frequently share moments from their life on social media and actively portray a bond rooted in mutual respect and understanding. Athiya often accompanies Rahul on tours and to stadiums, and she supports him through injuries and comebacks.
They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Evaarah Vipula Rahul, on March 24, 2025. The couple continues to enjoy a balanced and affectionate family life while staying connected to their professional commitments.
Family and Support System
Rahul is known to be close to his family. Despite his stardom, he often acknowledges his parents’ sacrifices and guidance as instrumental in shaping his cricketing career. His father was especially supportive, managing the balance between academics and sport during Rahul’s growing years.
Domestic Career
Rahul made his first-class debut for Karnataka in the 2010–11 season. He quickly impressed selectors with his classical technique and patience, especially in red-ball cricket. His breakthrough moment came in the 2013–14 Ranji Trophy season, where he amassed over 1,000 runs, including twin centuries in the final, helping Karnataka lift the title. He also represented South Zone in Duleep Trophy and India A in multiple tours, further strengthening his case for national selection.
International Career
KL Rahul made his international debut in December 2014 during the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Though he had a forgettable start, he bounced back with a brilliant 110 in his second Test at Sydney. Over the years, Rahul has played in all three formats for India and has donned multiple roles — as opener, middle-order batsman, and wicket-keeper.
He captained India in ODIs and Tests in Rohit Sharma’s absence and became a regular vice-captain across formats between 2021 and 2023. Despite occasional inconsistencies and injuries, Rahul is known for his elegance, temperament, and adaptability.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Best Score | Strike Rate |
| Tests | 60 | 3493 | 34.58 | 199 | 52.90 |
| ODIs | 85 | 3043 | 49.08 | 112 | 88.17 |
| T20Is | 72 | 2,265 | 37.75 | 110* | 139.12 |
IPL Career
KL Rahul began his IPL career in 2013 with Royal Challengers Bangalore. He later represented Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014), and returned to RCB (2016). His real breakthrough came with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2018, where he was appointed captain and transformed into one of the most consistent run-scorers in the league.
In 2022, he was drafted by the newly formed Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as captain for a record price of INR 17 crore. Under his leadership, LSG qualified for playoffs in their debut season.
IPL Highlights
- Joint Second Fastest 50 in IPL history: 14 balls vs Delhi Daredevils (2018)
- Orange Cap winner in 2020 (670 runs)
- Consistent 500+ run seasons from 2018 to 2022
- One of the few IPL captains with a 50+ average
Injuries and Comebacks
Rahul’s career has seen several injury setbacks, including a sports hernia, wrist surgery, and a hamstring injury in 2023. However, his comeback stories are equally inspiring. He returned to top form during Asia Cup 2023 and World Cup 2023, where he scored a memorable century against the Netherlands and played crucial rescue knocks in pressure games.
Achievements and Records
Batting Records
- First Indian to score a century on ODI debut in West Indies (2016)
- One of few Indians with centuries in all three formats
- Orange Cap winner in IPL 2020
Captaincy & Awards
- Led LSG to IPL playoffs in debut season
- Named in ICC ODI Team of the Year 2020
- ICC Emerging Player of the Year nominee (2016)