Who is KL Rahul? Know About His Relationships, Family, Career, Stats, and More

KL Rahul is the embodiment of modern Indian cricket’s versatility and grace. Rahul’s journey began in Bangalore, where early promise met fierce competition. Challenges came his way in the form of injuries, slumps, and the weight of expectations, but he never wavered. KL Rahul made his Test debut for India in December 2014 against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Thrust into the spotlight on one of cricket’s grandest stages, Rahul’s early days were marked by nerves and anticipation.

Although his first outing was modest, he quickly displayed his class with a sublime century in his second Test at Sydney, announcing himself as a player of rare talent and temperament. Physically, KL Rahul stands at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and weighs around 75 kg (165 lbs), giving him an athletic build that complements his elegant batting style.

KL Rahul Biography

KL Rahul Religion & Caste

KL Rahul’s faith is something he holds close, not something he puts on display. He follows Hinduism in a quiet, grounded way that reflects his personality. Growing up in Bangalore, he was raised with strong family values, where things like respect, humility, and hard work were emphasized. For Rahul, family has always been more than a pillar of support; it’s the heart of who he is and the foundation of everything he’s achieved on and off the field.

KL Rahul Family

KL Rahul comes from a close-knit family with strong academic roots. Both of his parents are professors. The Bengaluru star has been brought up with discipline, humility, and perseverance throughout his journey.

KL Rahul Father

KL Rahul’s father, K. N. Lokesh, is a respected professor and former director at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal. Dr. Lokesh played a pivotal role in shaping Rahul’s early life, instilling in him the values of hard work and perseverance.

KL Rahul Mother

KL Rahul’s mother, Rajeshwari, is a professor of history at Mangalore University. Her gentle encouragement and unwavering support have been a constant source of strength for Rahul. She has always emphasized the importance of education and humility, helping Rahul stay grounded despite his cricketing success.

KL Rahul Sister

KL Rahul is an only child and does not have any sisters.

KL Rahul Brother

KL Rahul does not have any brothers.

KL Rahul Instagram

KL Rahul’s Instagram showcases a vibrant mix of his cricketing journey, personal moments, and brand collaborations. As the 2025 global ambassador for Paul & Shark, he shares glimpses of his life on and off the field with fans worldwide. His Instagram handle is @KL Rahul.

KL Rahul Twitter

On Twitter, KL Rahul engages actively with fans and cricket enthusiasts, sharing updates about matches, personal insights, and professional milestones. His X account is @klrahul, which is a key platform for official announcements and interactions.

KL Rahul Facebook

KL Rahul’s Facebook presence complements his other social media, offering fans updates, photos, and videos from his cricket career and personal life. It serves as a space for broader engagement with his followers.

KL Rahul Jersey Number

KL Rahul is synonymous with the jersey number 1 for India in international cricket, a digit that reflects his ambition to lead from the front. In the IPL, he has also worn number 11, but number 1 remains his iconic identity, symbolising his position as a top-order mainstay.

KL Rahul Relationships

KL Rahul’s relationships have often attracted media attention, particularly his long-term association with Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty. The couple’s public appearances and social media posts have made them one of cricket’s most talked-about pairs, blending glamour and sports in the public eye.

KL Rahul Wife

KL Rahul wife is Athiya Shetty, who is the daughter of actor Suniel Shetty, in a private ceremony in January 2023. Their relationship, marked by mutual respect and support, has been celebrated by fans and the film fraternity alike, making them a prominent power couple in Indian entertainment and sports circles. The couple was blessed with a daughter recently.

KL Rahul Net Worth & Salary

As of 2025, KL Rahul net worth is estimated at around ₹101 crore (approximately USD 12 million), placing him among India’s wealthiest active cricketers. His primary income sources include a Grade A central contract with the BCCI, which brings in ₹5 crore annually, alongside match fees for Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Rahul’s IPL earnings are substantial. He was acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore in the 2025 auction, having previously earned up to ₹17 crore per season with Lucknow Super Giants.

Brand endorsements form a significant part of his income, with partnerships including Puma, Red Bull, boAt, BharatPe, and more, earning him ₹50 lakh per ad shoot. Rahul owns a luxurious house in Bengaluru valued at ₹30 crore and has invested in premium real estate and business ventures across India.

KL Rahul Career

KL Rahul’s cricketing journey began with quiet determination and a hunger to prove himself. Despite facing injuries and dips in form, Rahul’s ability to bounce back has been a constant. From a triple-century in domestic cricket to centuries in all three international formats, he has repeatedly shown the temperament to thrive under pressure. At present, KL Rahul stands as one of India’s most reliable middle-order batsmen in Indian cricket.

International Career

Rahul’s rise was not meteoric but built on resilience and adaptability. On December 26, 2014, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground became the stage for his Test debut against Australia. The pressure was immense, and his first outing yielded just 3 and 1 runs. But Rahul’s response was swift and emphatic as he went on to score a memorable maiden century in only his second Test at Sydney, showing the world a glimpse of his class and mental fortitude. He made his ODI debut in June 2016 against Zimbabwe. He immediately etched his name in the record books by becoming the first Indian to score a century on ODI debut, finishing unbeaten on 100*. That same tour saw his T20I debut, marking the start of a career defined by versatility.

IPL Career

KL Rahul has had an impressive IPL career playing for 5 different teams in 145 matches. He has scored a total of 5,222 runs in his IPL career with an impressive batting average of 46.21. KL Rahul has made 5 centuries and 40 half-centuries, showcasing his consistency and ability to play big innings. His highest score in IPL is 132 *.

KL Rahul Achievements & Awards

In the 2023 World Cup, KL Rahul was anchoring India’s hopes in the middle order. His unbeaten 97 against Australia in the opening match rescued India from a precarious 2 for 3, setting the tone for a strong campaign. Rahul then broke records with the fastest century by an Indian in a World Cup, reaching the mark in just 62 balls against the Netherlands. In the final, he top-scored for India with 66, battling tough conditions, though his slow innings drew criticism as India fell to Australia.

Rahul’s leadership also came to the fore in late 2023, when he captained India to a historic ODI series win in South Africa, becoming only the second Indian captain after Virat Kohli to achieve the feat. In Tests, he scored a gritty century in challenging conditions at Centurion, further cementing his reputation as a crisis man.

In the IPL, Rahul has been a consistent force, crossing 500 runs in six different seasons and holding the joint-second fastest IPL fifty (14 balls). In 2025, he became Delhi Capitals’ most expensive buy at ₹14 crore, continuing to showcase his value as a premier wicketkeeper-batsman and leader.