Delhi Capitals and India wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul recently opened up about his struggles and growth personally and professionally in his almost decade-long career.
Rahul first entered top-level cricket through the Under-19 World Cup in 2010 and made his senior cricket debut in the same year. His first big break came in the 2013–14 Ranji Trophy when he scored over 1,000 runs and Karnataka won the tournament and was named player of the match in the final.
In 2014, he made his Test debut and made his white-ball debut in 2016. Between then and now, Rahul has been in and out of the Indian team so many times that one can’t really count. He would be in the team for two formats but out of the third, and even when he was regular first choice in all three formats at the same time, it did not last long.
All this ultimately contributed to Rahul being branded the poster-boy of inconsistency on social media. Rahul recently sat on JioStar chat show ‘Superstars’ and talked openly about his career.
I was never given the status of a T20 player- KL Rahul
He said, “Ten years ago, I would have done anything to be a part of the T20 team. I was never rated as a T20 player or even considered a good white-ball player; I was branded a Test player.”
He said, “So, breaking out of that mold, developing my white-ball game and coming this far is something I’m really proud of. Along the way, I’ve made mistakes and there are some things I could have done better.”
Earlier in IPL 2026, KL Rahul had scored a record-breaking score of 152* runs against Punjab Kings, although his team lost that match. Rahul also managed to climb to fifth place in the all-time IPL run-chart.
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I will see how many more trophies I can win – KL Rahul
KL Rahul talked about what perspective the ups and downs of the game have brought him. He said he realizes that things won’t go his way all the time, but he needs to “follow his path”.
“But, I’m proud of the fact that whenever I played and prepared, I gave my best and gave myself the best chance to succeed. That’s sports; things won’t always go your way,” he said.
“You have to take it with you and enjoy the journey…Whenever I realize what I haven’t accomplished, I remind myself of what I have, and it gives me perspective.” “I still have some time left. So, I will keep trying my best and see how many trophies I can win.”
KL Rahul has been a part of some domestic trophy wins with Karnataka, but his only major international trophy wins were the Champions Trophy in 2025 and the ODI Asia Cup in 2023.
Rahul was part of the Indian team that finished runners-up in the domestic ODI World Cup in 2023. He was not a part of either of the two Indian teams that won the T20 World Cup in 2024 and 2026.
Fatherhood changed me – KL Rahul
Last year, KL Rahul welcomed a baby girl into his life with his wife, actor Athiya Shetty. He said that his daughter’s presence has also helped his cricket.
He said, “Becoming a father has been the most beautiful thing for me. I always thought there was peace and happiness in my life, but I was very wrong. You can’t really know happiness, peace or joy until you hold your child in your arms.”
He concluded, “When I see her smile, when she hugs and kisses me, everything is forgotten, all my injuries, pains and worries. It has also helped my cricket in the last year.”
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