KL Rahul a questionable or ignored talent ?

Kannanur Lokesh Rahul aka KL Rahul born on 18th April 1992 in Bangalore, Karnataka. A right handed batsman and part time wicket keeper, here is Everything you want to know about him,

KL Rahul | U19 Squad

He started playing cricket at very young age, seeing his affinity toward the sport his parent also backed him. He first got into the news when he was selected for Under-19 squad. In the same year he got the opportunity to play for Karnataka in the Ranji trophy but he failed to impress. Couple of year later he made a come back and shocked everyone with his batting.

He made 1033 runs in that Ranji season and helped his team to win the title against the strong Maharashtra. He hit 3 centuries, 3 half centuries (all 90+ score) in the tournament. He made 131 and 29 runs in the finals and was awarded with man of the Match.

KL Rahul Batting Style

He is a Right handed batsman and known for his pure class and timing. He believe in playing as per situation demands. This also is evident in his performance all over 3 formats. He has scored one of the fastest (14 balls) half centuries in T20 (IPL). In 2021 T20 World Cup he hit tournament’s fastest half century on just 18 balls.

He also made one of the fastest century in T20, in just 51 balls. On the other hand, He also could bat with slower strike rate when situation demands. In Jan 2023,He played a slow inning of 64 runs in 103 balls against Sri Lanka as India was struggling at the score of 4/86 while chasing for 215 target. In March 2023 he again played a slow (Later Accelerated) inning of 75* run as top order collapsed at the score of 83. He then lead the team to win.

He also showed his temperament and class in the test cricket as well. He usually refrain himself to play big shots and score mainly at the square-of the wicket. He usually use a smaller bat with heavy bottom which help him in playing strong cover drive and lofted shots over the Long Off. With Strong basics and proper training his strike rate varies from 51.64 to 139.12 in International criket’s all over the formats.

ALSO READ : 23rd Jan is fixed for KL Rahul Athiya Shetty marriage | Everything about the Venue and Guest List

KL Rahul T20 Career

He made his T20 debut in 2016 at the Zimbabwe tour. He made a noticeable performance in T20s. He usually open for the inning and is most successful format for him. He has cored 2 centuries till now with an awesome strike rate of 139.12

Format	Matches	Runs	Avg.	HS	100s	50s
T20	72	2265	37.75	110*	2	22

KL Rahul ODI Career

He first was selected in Indian ODI squad in 2016. India was touring to the Zimbabwe. He became the first Indian to score a century in his debut match. He also was named Man of the Series in the series. Although he started magnificently in ODI, he struggled to maintain the consistency. He was picked for 2019 ODI World Cup, he initially played at the 4th number but as opener Shikhar Dhawan got injured in mid, KL Rahul was then had to open for team India. He made 2 half centuries and 1 century and made 361 runs and was third highest run scorer for team.

Format	Matches	Runs	Avg.	HS	100s	50s
ODI	52	1945	46.30	112	5	14

KL Rahul Test Career

Seeing his perfect class in domestic season and temperament for longer format. He got the opportunity in Indian Test Squad in 2014. He impressed with his perfect timing and class and played some crucial innings. He is one of those batter who scored century in Australia. He made his highest score of 199 runs against England. Afterwards he scored many 60+ but failed to convert to triple digit.

Format	Matches	Runs	Avg.	HS	100s	50s
Test	47	2642	33.42	199	7	13

ALSO READ : KL Rahul removed from VC’s duty but retained for remaining Test and ODIs

KL Rahul IPL Career

In 2013, He first played for RCB as wicket keeper batsman. he took over by Sun Risers Hyderabad for INR 1 crore. in 2016 he again came back to RCB and scored 397 runs in 14 matches. In 2017 he was struggling with shoulder injury and eventually missed the season.

His 2018 season was remarkable as he was bought by Kings XI Punjab for whopping INR 11 crore. He broke the Sunil Narine’s record of fastest fifty. He hit the mark in just 14 balls, he made 659 runs at the average of 54.91 with the Strike Rate of 158.41.

His 2019 season also went very successful, he scored his first century. After David Warner he was the second highest scorer of the tournament. he made 593 runs with the average of 53.90 and at the strike rate of 135.38.

In 2020 he was announce the the captain of Kings XI Punjab. The whole season was a roller coaster ride for his team. Kings XI Punjab lost first 6 out of 7 matches and won post 5 consecutive matches. His individual performance was the best till date. he made 670 runs with the highest score of 132* and 5 half centuries. He won the Orange cap of the season. He continued his success in season 2021 and made 626 runs.

In 2022 he was bought by new franchise Lucknow Super Giants for INR 17 crore. He again was appointed as captain of the team. he again rocked the whole season with his bat and helped the team to reach to the play off in their debut season. He hit couple of centuries and made 661 runs in 15 matches.

Format	Matches	Runs	Avg.	HS	100s	50s
IPL	109	3889	48.01	132*	4	31

—————————————————END————————————————

ASLO READ : India vs Australia | 1st ODI | Score, Highlights and Results