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Know Your Cricketer: KL Rahul; An Elegant Batsman

KL Rahul is considered one of the top opening batsmen in India's up-and-coming crop of players. He holds the distinction of being the first Indian cricketer to achieve a century in his debut ODI match.

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By Crickified Mohit
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KL Rahul's Century during IPL

  Personal Information
  Full Name Kannanur Lokesh Rahul
  Date of Birth April 18th, 1992
  Current Team(s) Indian Cricket TeamIndian Cricket Team
L  Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
  Role Wicketkeeper Batter 
  Batting Style Right Hand Bat
  Debut December 26th, 2014
  Jersey No. 18
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KL Rahul, whose full name is Kannanur Lokesh Rahul, is an accomplished Indian cricketer known for his elegant batting style. Born on April 18th, 1992, in Bangalore, KL Rahul is a right-handed batsman and wicketkeeper. He has made a significant impact in all three formats of the game - Tests, ODIs, and T20s - with his versatility and consistency.

Early Life and Domestic Career
KL Rahul's journey in cricket began at a young age. He was selected to represent India in the 2010 Under-19 World Cup, showcasing his talent at the international level. Later that year, he made his debut in first-class cricket, marking the start of a promising career.

In the 2013-14 season, KL Rahul played a crucial role in Karnataka's triumph in the Ranji Trophy. He scored an impressive 1033 runs, including three centuries and three nineties, contributing significantly to his team's success. His outstanding performance in the final earned him the well-deserved Man-of-the-Match award. Notably, he became the first player from Karnataka to score a triple century, amassing a remarkable 337 runs.

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International Debut and Milestones
KL Rahul made his Test debut in 2014, replacing Rohit Sharma during the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne. In the following Test at Sydney, he made an immediate impact by scoring his maiden Test century, accumulating 110 runs. This century marked the beginning of his journey as a dependable opener for the Indian Test team.

In 2016, KL Rahul made his debut in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Zimbabwe. He made an unbeaten century in his first match, becoming the first Indian batsman to achieve this feat. This remarkable performance also earned him the "Man of the Series" award. Later that year, he made his debut in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and became the first player to score a century in this format while batting at number 4.

World Cup and IPL Journey
KL Rahul's talent and consistent performances earned him a place in the Indian team for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. He was entrusted with the responsibility of opening the innings, and he didn't disappoint. Throughout the tournament, he scored 361 runs, including two half-centuries and a century, making him the third-highest run-scorer for India.

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In addition to international cricket, KL Rahul has also made a significant impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He started his IPL journey in 2013 with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and caught the eye of the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the IPL Auction the following year. He played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2014 season before returning to RCB in 2016. In 2022, he was appointed as the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and led the team to a respectable third-place finish.

Playing Style and Skills
KL Rahul is known for his elegant and technically sound batting style. He possesses excellent hand-eye coordination, allowing him to time the ball with precision. His ability to play both attacking and defensive shots makes him a versatile batsman across all formats of the game.

In addition to his batting skills, KL Rahul has also showcased his wicketkeeping abilities. He has donned the gloves for the Indian team on several occasions, providing valuable flexibility and balance to the team's composition.

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Awards and Recognitions
KL Rahul's consistent performances have earned him several accolades and recognition in the cricketing world. In 2016, he received the prestigious "ESPNcricinfo Award for the Best T20 Batting Performance" for his century in the T20I format. He has also been named in the ICC T20I Team of the Year multiple times.

Personal Life
Off the field, KL Rahul leads a private life. He keeps his personal affairs away from the limelight, allowing his performances on the cricket pitch to speak for themselves. His dedication, discipline, and love for the game have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers.

Future Prospects
At the age of 29, KL Rahul is entering the prime years of his career. With his exceptional talent and consistent performances, he has established himself as a key player in the Indian cricket team. His versatility and adaptability across all formats make him an invaluable asset.

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Looking ahead, KL Rahul has the potential to achieve even greater heights in his cricketing journey. As he continues to refine his skills and gain experience, he will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping India's success in the coming years.

Career Stats

  Rahul's Batting Stats
  Format Mat Inns NO Runs HS Avg BF SR 100s 50s 4s 6s
  Test 47 81 2 2642 199 33.44 5116 51.64 7 13 318 18
  ODI 54 52 8 1986 112 45.13 2294 86.57 5 13 152 46
  T20I 72 68 8 2265 110* 37.75 1628 139.12 2 22 191 99
  FC 90 153 5 6539 337 44.18 12062 54.21 17 31 818 51
  LIST A 106 104 13 3996 131 43.91 4988 80.11 9 26 321 77
  T20 212 199 32 7066 132* 42.31 5202 135.83 6 61 598 292


Conclusion

KL Rahul's journey from a talented youngster to an established cricketer is a testament to his hard work, determination, and passion for the game. With his elegant batting style, he has captured the hearts of cricket fans around the world. As he continues to excel on the field, KL Rahul is poised to leave a lasting legacy in Indian cricket.

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