Cricket is a game of numbers, but a few names carry emotions — and one of them is Kannur Lokesh Rahul, fondly known as KL Rahul. With poise at the crease, elegance in his shots, and resilience off the field, KL has rewritten the definition of a modern cricketer. From becoming India’s dependable top-order batter to making headlines for his leadership, injuries, and personal choices, Rahul’s journey is more than just runs on the board.
Let’s dive into the detailed profile of this stylish right-hander — from his personal life and cricket milestones to controversies and lesser-known stories.
KL Rahul Biography: Quick Info Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kannur Lokesh Rahul |
| Nickname | KL, Lokesh |
| Profession | Cricketer (Right-handed batsman, Wicketkeeper) |
| Date of Birth | April 18, 1992 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 33 years |
| Birthplace | Mangaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 75 kg (Approx.) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Hobbies | Tattooing, Listening to music, Fitness |
| Education | NITK (Dropped out to pursue cricket) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Athiya Shetty (Actress) |
| Father | K.N. Lokesh (Professor, former Director at NITK) |
| Mother | Rajeshwari Lokesh (History professor) |
| Sister | Bhavana Lokesh |
| IPL Team (2025) | Delhi Capitals (previously LSG, PBKS, RCB) |
| Jersey Number | 1 (ODI, T20I), 11 (IPL) |
Early Life: From Mangalore Streets to International Stadiums
KL Rahul was born into an academically inclined family in Mangaluru. While his father, a professor, wanted him to focus on studies, young Rahul’s heart beat for cricket. At the tender age of 11, he began formal training at St. Aloysius College Centenary Ground under coach Samuel Jayaraj.
By 17, he had already made it to the India U-19 team and played in the 2010 World Cup. Rahul’s journey wasn’t flashy. He wasn’t touted as a teenage prodigy like some others — he earned his stripes with consistent domestic performances, especially in the Ranji Trophy and India A matches.
Professional Career: Test Debut to Indian Backbone
Test Debut & Rise:
KL Rahul made his Test debut in 2014 against Australia in Melbourne — and was dismissed for just 3. But his century in Sydney in the very next match turned critics into believers. Known for adapting to different conditions, Rahul’s overseas centuries in England and West Indies showed his technique and temperament.
ODI & T20I Career:
He debuted in ODIs in 2016 with a century against Zimbabwe, becoming only the third Indian to score a century on ODI debut. His versatility was soon recognized in T20Is too, especially with his stunning 110* vs West Indies in Florida.
IPL Journey:
KL Rahul started his IPL career with RCB but rose to fame in the 2018 season with Kings XI Punjab, where he scored the fastest 50 in IPL history (14 balls). Later, as captain of Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, he matured into a strategist. In 2025, he joined Delhi Capitals and led their batting charts with over 500+ runs.
Personal Life & Love Story with Athiya Shetty
KL Rahul’s relationship with Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty, daughter of actor Suniel Shetty, grabbed a lot of media attention. The couple maintained a low profile for years before tying the knot in an intimate ceremony in January 2023.
Their love story is marked by shared interests — fitness, fashion, and minimalism. Athiya has often been seen supporting Rahul from the stands, and both remain grounded despite their fame.
In 2025, KL and Athiya welcomed their first child, a baby girl, right before Rahul flew to England for India’s Test tour — a move praised as a symbol of commitment towards national duty.
KL Rahul’s Family: A Strong Support System
KL Rahul’s family is academically rich yet emotionally grounded.
- Father – K.N. Lokesh: A professor and former director at NITK Surathkal. Though a strict disciplinarian, he supported Rahul’s cricketing dreams once he saw his passion.
- Mother – Rajeshwari Lokesh: A history professor who often acted as the emotional backbone during his lows.
- Sister – Bhavana Lokesh: Younger and very close to Rahul, she has always kept away from the limelight but remains his biggest cheerleader.
The family is deeply spiritual and often visits temples before big tournaments. His bond with them remains strong even after marriage.
Controversies That Shook KL Rahul’s Career
KL Rahul has mostly maintained a clean public image, but he hasn’t been controversy-free:
- Koffee with Karan Scandal (2019):
His appearance with Hardik Pandya on the celebrity chat show stirred controversy for sexist remarks. The duo faced public outrage, suspension from BCCI for a short time, and even missed matches. - Injury Woes & Captaincy Criticism:
From groin injuries to hamstring problems, Rahul’s career has been marred with frequent breaks. He also faced flak during his captaincy stints — especially for his “slow strike rate” in T20 matches. - Social Media Trolling:
Despite his records, KL Rahul is often targeted unfairly after low scores, especially in ICC tournaments. However, he handles criticism with grace and avoids unnecessary public spats.
Records, Milestones & Stats
- First Indian to score a century on ODI debut
- Only Indian to score century in all 3 formats as wicketkeeper-batter
- Fastest 50 in IPL history (14 balls)
- Over 8,000 T20 runs (as of 2025)
- 100+ dismissals as a wicketkeeper in ODIs
- Double-century partnership with Rohit Sharma in ODIs
- Top scorer for DC in IPL 2025 with 539 runs
Unknown Facts & Fun Trivia
- KL stands for Kannur Lokesh, but many fans think it’s an abbreviation.
- He travels with his own mattress due to back issues — a fun insight shared by coaches.
- Has a tattoo of his dog, Simba, on his back.
- He’s a big fan of WWE and Football, especially Arsenal FC.
- One of the few players to endorse both streetwear and fitness brands.
- Despite his reserved image, Rahul is known for pranking teammates during tours.
KL Rahul in 2025: The Road Ahead
Post the 2025 England tour, Rahul’s stocks are rising again. A century at Leeds and consistent red-ball form have silenced critics. With Kohli and Rohit nearing the end of their careers, KL is expected to play a pivotal role as a senior batsman and leader.
Whether behind the stumps or with the bat, his calmness, technique, and vision make him indispensable. With a young family and new responsibilities, Rahul’s story is entering a mature, legacy-building phase.
