KL Rahul

KL Rahul's adaptability and flexibility makes him a crucial player for India across all formats. Not only does he share the name of his idol Rahul Dravid, he too, like the legend, would keep wickets and bat at any position for the country.

Hailing from a family of academics, pursuing cricket professionally looked far-fetched, but Rahul's parents saw some talent in their son and encouraged him to play the sport. The talent was there for everyone to see and he proved that at the U-19 level to be called up to Karnataka's first-class side in 2010-11 season.

Rahul had a decent outing that season but was dropped the next season. However, the 2012-13 season was a breakthrough one for Rahul as he became the highest run-scorer, which earned him a Test call-up for India's tour of Australia in 2014.

The debut Test against Australia in Melbourne was a forgettable one as nerves got the better of Rahul, who was dismissed on 3 and 1 in two innings. The team management gave him another chance in Sydney - and Rahul vindicated their faith by slamming a composed century - making a point that he too belongs to the big stage.

The Sydney hundred gave Rahul the confidence as he scored centuries on India's away tours to Sri Lanka and West Indies. On the back of an impressive IPL season, Rahul was picked in India's limited-overs squads for series in Zimbabwe and West Indies in 2016. In both of his ODI and T20I debuts, he scored centuries.

Rahul has been prone to injuries which has kept him out of action quite often than not in his career so far. After his limited-overs debut he was mostly in and out of the team until late 2017, where he had recovered and scored 199 against England in Chennai.

A thigh injury during IPL 2023, followed by a surgery in London and the rehabilitation process kept Rahul out of action for five months. He returned to competitive cricket in a Super Fours match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, and scored a sensational 111, also kept wickets as part of India’s plan to play Rahul as a wicketkeeper-batter in the 2023 World Cup, where he performed tremendously well.

His technique behind the stumps has made him a first-choice wicketkeeper in the limited-overs as it gives the team management a scope to bring in an extra batter or bowler. With Rishabh Pant back and Rahul being in the mix, it has thrown open a healthy competition among the wicketkeeper-batsmen in the country.

With solid technique and calm head, shot-making skills and ability to switch approach as the situation demands are some of the noteworthy traits of Rahul. Maybe, some clarity on his role and a fixed batting position in all formats could bring out more intent from the stylish right-handed batter.

IPL Timeline

Rahul has played for four IPL teams since his debut in the tournament in 2013. In 2020, he won the Orange Cap for most runs (670). He led Punjab Kings in 2020 and 2021 seasons before moving to Lucknow Super Giants as their skipper.