KL Rahul's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of KL Rahul. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Kannaur Lokesh Rahul, commonly known as KL Rahul, is an Indian international cricketer recognized as a right-handed wicket-keeper batter. He represents the Indian national team and also plays for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In domestic cricket, Rahul represents Karnataka. He is a prominent figure in Indian cricket known for his batting abilities across all formats of the game.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2014: Duleep Trophy Performance and Test Selection

In 2014, playing for South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final, Rahul scored 185 and 130, earning him the player of the match award and selection to the Indian Test squad for the Australian tour.

2016: Returns to RCB

In 2016, KL Rahul returned to RCB and scored 397 runs from 14 matches. He was named as wicketkeeper in the ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz IPL XI.

2018: Bought by Kings XI Punjab

In the 2018 IPL auction, KL Rahul was bought by Kings XI Punjab for INR 11 crore. He scored the fastest 50 in IPL history, reaching the milestone in 14 balls. He scored 659 runs in the season and was named in the Cricinfo and Cricbuzz IPL XI.

December 2019: Achievements in T20I and ODI Cricket Against West Indies and Sri Lanka

In December 2019, Rahul scored his 1,000th run in T20I cricket, achieved the Man of the Match award for his 91 against West Indies, and scored his 3rd ODI century against West Indies. He also scored 45 and 54 in the T20I series against Sri Lanka.

January 2020: Man of the Match Against Australia

In January 2020, Rahul made 80 (52) batting at number five in the second ODI against Australia and was rewarded as the man of the match.

September 2020: Scored 132* Against RCB

In September 2020, KL Rahul scored an unbeaten 132* against RCB, which was the most runs scored by an Indian batsman in an IPL match at the time. He won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs in the season (670).

December 2021: Named Test Vice-Captain and ODI Captain for South Africa Series

In December 2021, Rahul was named as India's Test vice-captain for the away series against South Africa and also as the ODI captain due to injuries to Rohit Sharma. In the first test match against South Africa in December 2021, he scored 123 in India's first innings and 23 in India's second innings and was awarded the Man of the Match award.

2021: Success in England Test Tour 2021

In 2021, during India's tour of England, Rahul was named to India's test squad. In the first test, Rahul scored 84 and 26. In the second Test at Lords, he scored 129 (250) and was awarded the man of the match. He was the second-highest run scorer for India in the tour behind Rohit Sharma.

2023: Return to Cricket in Asia Cup 2023

In 2023, Rahul made his return to cricket in Asia Cup 2023 against Pakistan. Rahul scored an unbeaten century on his return, scoring 111 off 106 balls.

2023: Captain for ODI Series against South Africa

On November 30, 2023, KL Rahul was announced as the captain for the 3-match ODI series against South Africa, leading the team to a 2-1 series victory. Making him the second captain after Virat Kohli to win an ODI series in South Africa.

October 2025: International Centuries

As of October 2025, KL Rahul has scored 20 international centuries: 11 in Test cricket, 7 in One Day Internationals, and 2 in Twenty20 Internationals. He is the only Indian player to score a century on his ODI debut.

2025: Selection for England Series and Champions Trophy

In 2025, KL Rahul was selected for the ODI squad for the home series against England and the Champions Trophy. In the test series against England in June and July, he scored 532 runs at an average of 58.00, including 2 centuries and 2 half-centuries in 5 matches.