KL Rahul: Unpacking the Statistics of India's Versatile Cricketing Talent

Key Career Insights

Versatile Performer: KL Rahul is one of the elite cricketers globally to have scored centuries in all three international formats of the game – Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I), underscoring his exceptional adaptability and skill across diverse playing conditions.
Record-Breaking Batsman: He holds several distinguished records, notably being the first Indian cricketer to score a century on his ODI debut. He also once held the record for the fastest half-century in the Indian Premier League (IPL), reaching 50 runs in just 14 balls.
Consistent Run-Getter: Across all formats, Rahul has demonstrated remarkable consistency with the bat. He boasts an impressive ODI average nearing 50 and has surpassed 5,000 runs in the IPL with an excellent batting average, cementing his reputation as a reliable top-order batsman.

Meet KL Rahul: The Cricketer

Kananur Lokesh Rahul, born on April 18, 1992, is a prominent Indian international cricketer renowned for his elegant stroke play and versatility. A right-handed batsman and capable wicketkeeper, Rahul has represented Karnataka in domestic cricket and has been a significant player in the Indian Premier League (IPL), captaining teams like Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, and currently playing for Delhi Capitals. His cricketing journey began with a first-class debut for Karnataka in the 2010-11 season, and he was also part of India's squad for the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2010. His strong performances in domestic cricket, including a memorable triple century in the Ranji Trophy, paved the way for his international debut in 2014 (Test) and 2016 (ODI).

KL Rahul, a picture of focus and determination.

Often compared to the legendary Rahul Dravid for his classical technique, KL Rahul has carved his own niche with an ability to score rapidly when needed, adapt to various batting positions, and provide reliability with the gloves behind the stumps. He is celebrated for being the third Indian to score a century in all three formats of international cricket and the fastest batsman overall to achieve this feat, doing so in just 20 innings.

International Career Statistics Breakdown

KL Rahul's international career has been marked by significant achievements and match-winning performances for India across Test, ODI, and T20I formats.

Test Cricket

Solid Performer in the Longest Format

Since his Test debut against Australia in Melbourne on December 26, 2014, KL Rahul has been a part of India's Test setup, often playing as an opening batsman. He has played 58 matches, scoring 3,257 runs with a highest score of 199 against England in 2016. His Test career includes 8 centuries and 17 half-centuries, showcasing his ability to build long innings. His most recent Test appearance noted was in January 2025 against Australia in Sydney.

One Day International (ODI) Cricket

Impactful in the 50-Over Game

KL Rahul made a sensational entry into ODI cricket by scoring a century on his debut against Zimbabwe in Harare on June 11, 2016, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat. In 85 ODIs, he has amassed 3,043 runs at an impressive average of 49.08, including 7 centuries and 20 half-centuries. His highest ODI score is 112. He has also demonstrated leadership qualities, captaining India in 12 ODIs with a notable win percentage. His most recent ODI match recorded was in March 2025 in Dubai.

Twenty20 International (T20I) Cricket

Dynamic Force in the Shortest Format

In the T20I arena, Rahul has played 72 matches, scoring 2,265 runs at an average of 37.75 and a blistering strike rate of over 139. He has 2 T20I centuries to his name, with a highest score of 110 not out, and 22 half-centuries. His ability to accelerate and play innovative shots makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket. His most recent T20I was noted as November 2022 against England.

Domestic & IPL Prowess

Beyond his international exploits, KL Rahul has been a stalwart in domestic cricket and a marquee player in the Indian Premier League.

First-Class Cricket

Foundation of Excellence

Representing Karnataka, KL Rahul has an impressive first-class record. In 104 matches, he has scored 7,331 runs at an average of 42.62. A significant highlight of his domestic career is being the first Karnataka batsman to score a triple century in the Ranji Trophy, an innings of 337 against Uttar Pradesh in the 2014-15 season. He was instrumental in Karnataka's Ranji Trophy victory in 2013-14, scoring 1,033 runs in that season.

Indian Premier League (IPL)

A Consistent Run-Machine

KL Rahul made his IPL debut in 2013 and has since become one of the league's most consistent and prolific run-scorers. He has played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), Lucknow Super Giants (whom he captained), and was acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 14 Crores in the IPL Auction 2025. In 143 IPL matches, he has scored 5,064 runs at an average of 45.62 and a strike rate of over 135. This includes 4 centuries and 40 half-centuries, with a highest score of 132 not out. He once held the record for the fastest IPL fifty (14 balls in 2018) and has consistently scored over 500 runs in multiple IPL seasons.

KL Rahul batting at the nets for Royal Challengers Bangalore

KL Rahul honing his skills at the nets during his time with Royal Challengers Bangalore.

KL Rahul's Career Statistics: A Comprehensive Table

The table below provides a consolidated view of KL Rahul's batting statistics across all major formats as of May 12, 2025. Please note that 'HS' denotes Highest Score, 'Avg' denotes Batting Average, and 'SR' denotes Strike Rate.

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest Score	Average	Strike Rate	100s	50s	Fours	Sixes
Test	58	101	3,257	199	33.57	52.80	8	17	387	26
ODI	85	79	3,043	112	49.08	88.18	7	20	235	67
T20I	72	68	2,265	110*	37.75	139.13	2	22	191	99
IPL	143	133	5,064	132*	45.62	135.15	4	40	430	203
First-Class	104	N/A	7,331	337	42.62	N/A	22	31	N/A	N/A

Note: 'N/A' indicates data not commonly summarized or consistently available in the provided sources for that format. Bowling statistics are not included as KL Rahul is primarily a batsman and wicketkeeper and has not taken wickets in major formats.

Visualizing KL Rahul's Performance Across Formats

This radar chart offers a visual comparison of KL Rahul's key batting attributes across Test, ODI, T20I, and IPL cricket. The metrics chosen – Batting Average, Strike Rate, Runs Per Innings (Consistency), and Sixes Per 10 Innings (Power Hitting) – highlight his adaptability and strengths in different versions of the game. A larger area covered by a format indicates stronger multifaceted performance in these selected aspects.

This visualization underscores Rahul's high strike rates in T20I and IPL, his strong ODI average and consistency, and solid, albeit different, contributions in Test cricket. His power-hitting, measured by sixes, is particularly prominent in the shorter formats.

KL Rahul's Career Milestones: A Snapshot

This mindmap provides a visual summary of KL Rahul's cricketing journey, highlighting key phases, achievements, and transitions in his career. It traces his path from early days to becoming an international star and a sought-after IPL player.

mindmap root["KL Rahul's Cricketing Journey"] id1["Early Career"] id1a["Karnataka Domestic Cricket"] id1b["U19 World Cup (2010)"] id1c["Ranji Trophy Triple Century (337)"] id2["International Debut"] id2a["Test Debut (2014 vs AUS)"] id2b["ODI Debut (2016 vs ZIM) - Century on Debut"] id2c["T20I Debut (2016 vs ZIM)"] id3["Format Specialization & Records"] id3a["Test Cricket
HS: 199, 8 Centuries"] id3b["ODI Cricket
Avg: ~49, 7 Centuries"] id3c["T20I Cricket
2 Centuries, SR: ~139"] id3d["Centuries in all 3 intl. formats (3rd Indian)"] id3e["Fastest to centuries in all 3 formats (20 inns)"] id4["Indian Premier League (IPL) Career"] id4a["Teams: RCB, SRH, PBKS, LSG, DC"] id4b["Over 5000 Runs"] id4c["4 Centuries, HS: 132*"] id4d["Fastest IPL Fifty (14 balls, 2018)"] id4e["Captaincy Roles (PBKS, LSG)"] id5["Key Attributes & Roles"] id5a["Wicketkeeper-Batsman"] id5b["Versatile Batting Positions"] id5c["Captaincy (India & IPL)"] id5d["Compared to Rahul Dravid (Technique)"]

The mindmap illustrates Rahul's progression, from his foundational domestic success with Karnataka to his impactful international debuts and significant records. It also covers his influential presence in the IPL, including captaincy stints and remarkable batting feats.

Notable Achievements & Records

First Indian to Score a Century on ODI Debut: Achieved against Zimbabwe in 2016.
Third Indian with Centuries in All Three International Formats: Joins an elite club of batsmen who have scored tons in Test, ODI, and T20I cricket.
Fastest Batsman to Centuries in All Three Formats: Reached this milestone in just 20 international innings.
Only Batsman to Reach 100 with a Six in All Formats: A unique distinction showcasing his aggressive finishing style.
Fastest IPL Half-Century (at one point): Scored 50 off just 14 balls for Punjab Kings in 2018.
Ranji Trophy Triple Century: Scored 337 for Karnataka, the first from the state to achieve this.
Consistent IPL Performer: Crossed 500 runs in five consecutive IPL seasons (2018-2022).
Seven Consecutive Test Fifties: Showcased remarkable consistency by scoring half-centuries in seven straight Test innings.
Fastest Indian Century in Cricket World Cup: Scored a century in 62 balls during the 2023 World Cup.
Captaincy Experience: Has captained the Indian team in ODIs and led IPL franchises like Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants.

Video Highlight: KL Rahul's ODI Career Analysis

For a deeper visual insight into KL Rahul's One Day International career, including his records, statistics, and potential future in Team India, the following video provides a comprehensive analysis. It discusses key performances and his evolution as an ODI player.

This analysis explores his journey in the 50-over format, highlighting significant milestones such as his debut century and his role as a versatile batsman capable of batting in various positions and adapting to game situations.