Kannur Lokesh Rahul, commonly known as KL Rahul, is a distinguished Indian international cricketer celebrated for his exceptional skills as a right-handed wicket-keeper batter. He made his international debut in 2014, quickly establishing himself as a key player for the Indian national team across all formats. Notably, Rahul holds the record as the first Indian to score a century on his One-Day International (ODI) debut and is recognized as the fastest batsman to achieve centuries in all three formats within just twenty innings.
Rahul’s domestic career began with Karnataka, where he made a significant impact in first-class cricket, including becoming Karnataka’s first triple-centurion with a score of 337 against Uttar Pradesh. His IPL journey commenced in 2013 with Royal Challengers Bangalore, but he gained prominence as a prolific run-scorer during his tenure with Kings XI Punjab, where he won the Orange Cap in 2020 for scoring the most runs in the season. In 2022, he was appointed captain of the Lucknow Super Giants, further showcasing his leadership abilities.
Internationally, Rahul has been a consistent performer, contributing significantly in major tournaments, including the 2019 Cricket World Cup, where he was India’s third-highest run-scorer. His versatility has been evident as he has successfully transitioned between batting positions, adapting to team needs while maintaining impressive averages and strike rates.
As of January 2024, KL Rahul has amassed 17 international centuries, including 8 in Tests, 7 in ODIs, and 2 in T20Is. His achievements and records not only highlight his talent but also his potential for future contributions to Indian cricket, making him a vital asset in the world of cricket.