KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty welcome their first child, a baby girl. Discover the cricketer’s journey to fatherhood, career highlights, and how this personal milestone coincides with IPL 2025.
KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty have welcomed their first child together. In a heartwarming announcement that has delighted fans across cricket and Bollywood circles, Indian cricketer KL Rahul and his wife, actress Athiya Shetty, have welcomed their first child – a baby girl. The couple shared the joyous news on March 24, 2025, through a touching Instagram post featuring two swans with the simple yet profound caption: “Blessed with a baby girl.”
The announcement comes during the busy IPL 2025 season, with KL Rahul receiving special permission from Delhi Capitals to miss their opening match against Lucknow Super Giants to be present for this life-changing moment. This personal milestone marks a new chapter for the 33-year-old cricketer, who has balanced a successful sports career with his growing family life.
Table of Contents
KL Rahul’s Journey to Fatherhood: A Timeline of Love
The path to parenthood for KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty has been a beautiful journey that fans have followed with interest. Their relationship began in 2019 and has blossomed into one of cricket and Bollywood’s most beloved unions.
| Date | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| February 2019 | First Meeting | Introduced through a mutual friend |
| January 2020 | Relationship Hints | First public hints during Thailand New Year trip |
| December 2021 | First Public Appearance | At ‘Tadap’ movie screening |
| January 23, 2023 | Wedding | Intimate ceremony at Suniel Shetty’s Khandala farmhouse |
| November 2024 | Pregnancy Announcement | Shared with tiny baby feet visual on Instagram |
| March 24, 2025 | Baby Girl’s Birth | Announced via Instagram post with swan imagery |
“This is the most beautiful phase of our lives,” the couple reportedly shared with close friends. The birth of their daughter comes just over two years after their wedding, which was an intimate affair attended by close friends and family at Athiya’s father Suniel Shetty’s farmhouse in Khandala.
KL Rahul Wife Athiya Shetty: The Bollywood Connection
KL Rahul wife Athiya Shetty, daughter of Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, has been a pillar of support throughout the cricketer’s career ups and downs. The couple’s relationship first caught public attention when they were spotted vacationing together in Thailand during New Year 2020.
Despite being from different professional worlds, the couple has maintained a relatively private relationship, sharing only occasional glimpses into their personal life through social media. Their wedding in January 2023 was a private affair, reflecting their preference for keeping significant life events intimate.
“They complement each other perfectly,” a source close to the family shared. “Athiya understands the demands of KL’s cricket career, while he has always been supportive of her acting pursuits.”
KL Rahul Stats: Professional Life Amid Personal Joy
Even as he celebrates this personal milestone, KL Rahul stats continue to impress cricket enthusiasts. The right-handed batsman has been a consistent performer for both the national team and in the IPL.
Recent Career Highlights
KL Rahul stats in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 showcase his value to the Indian team:
- Role: Middle-order batsman (Position 6)
- Performance: 140 runs in 5 matches
- Average: 140.00
- Strike Rate: 97.90
His IPL career has been equally impressive:
- Total Runs: 4,683
- Average: 45.46
- Strike Rate: 134.60
- Centuries: 4
- Fifties: 37
The 2024 IPL season saw KL Rahul accumulate 520 runs in 14 matches with an average of 37.14 and a strike rate of 136.13, demonstrating his consistent form despite the pressures of top-level cricket.
Balancing Cricket and Fatherhood
At KL Rahul age 33, the cricketer now faces the beautiful challenge of balancing his professional commitments with his new role as a father. Cricket experts believe this personal joy might even have a positive impact on his game.
“Becoming a parent often gives players a new perspective,” noted cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle. “We’ve seen many cricketers find a renewed focus and purpose after welcoming children into their lives.”
Celebrity and Fan Reactions to KL Rahul’s Baby News
The announcement of KL Rahul’s daughter has triggered a wave of congratulatory messages from both the cricket and film fraternities. Notable celebrities who extended their wishes include:
- Kiara Advani
- Shanaya Kapoor
- Riddhima Kapoor Sahni
Fans have flooded social media with heartfelt messages, with many expressing joy at the timing of the birth during the cricket season. “From hitting sixes on the field to embracing fatherhood, @KLRahul continues to win hearts,” wrote one fan on Twitter.
Cricket teammates have also shared their excitement, with captain Rohit Sharma reportedly sending a special gift basket to the new parents.
What’s Next for KL Rahul Family?
The KL Rahul family will now adjust to their new reality as the cricketer is expected to return to his IPL duties with Delhi Capitals. The franchise has been supportive of his personal milestone, with team management expressing their congratulations.
“We are thrilled for KL and Athiya on the birth of their daughter,” Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting stated. “Family always comes first, and we fully supported his decision to be with his wife during this special time.”
As for his cricket future, there have been occasional whispers about KL Rahul retirement plans, but at 33, the batsman appears to be in his prime with several years of cricket ahead of him. His recent form suggests he remains a valuable asset for both his IPL team and the national side.
The couple has not yet shared the name of their daughter or released any photos, maintaining their characteristic privacy. Fans and media alike are eagerly awaiting more details about the newest member of the KL Rahul family.
KL Rahul: Beyond Cricket Numbers
While KL Rahul stats tell the story of his professional achievements, there’s much more to the cricketer than just numbers. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (KL Rahul height that gives him an advantage on the field), he has built a substantial personal brand beyond cricket.
With an estimated KL Rahul net worth of approximately ₹75 crore ($9 million), he has established himself as one of India’s most marketable cricketers. His endorsement portfolio includes major brands across the fashion, technology, and lifestyle sectors.
The cricketer’s personal style and articulate nature have made him popular beyond cricket circles, with his relationship with Athiya further elevating his profile in entertainment media.
A New Chapter Begins
As KL Rahul embraces fatherhood, fans can expect to see a new dimension to the cricketer both on and off the field. The birth of his daughter represents not just a personal milestone but potentially a new source of motivation for his professional endeavors.
“There’s something special about playing for your family,” former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar noted. “When you have a child, you’re no longer just playing for yourself or your country – you’re creating a legacy for your little one.”
For now, the cricket world joins in celebrating this joyous occasion with one of its brightest stars. As KL Rahul returns to the cricket field, he does so not just as a talented batsman but as a proud father – perhaps the most meaningful title he has earned yet.
FAQs
When did KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty welcome their baby?
KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty welcomed their baby girl on March 24, 2025. They announced the news through an Instagram post featuring an image of two swans with the caption “Blessed with a baby girl.”
How long have KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty been married?
KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty got married on January 23, 2023, at Suniel Shetty’s farmhouse in Khandala. They had been married for just over two years before welcoming their first child.
What is KL Rahul’s age?
KL Rahul was born on April 18, 1992, making him 33 years old when he became a father in 2025.
What are KL Rahul’s career statistics?
In his IPL career, KL Rahul has scored 4,683 runs with an average of 45.46 and a strike rate of 134.60. He has hit 4 centuries and 37 fifties. In international cricket, he has represented India across all formats (Test, ODI, and T20I) with consistent performances.
Did KL Rahul miss any matches due to his daughter’s birth?
Yes, KL Rahul received special permission from Delhi Capitals to miss their IPL 2025 opener against Lucknow Super Giants to be present for the birth of his daughter.
What is KL Rahul’s net worth?
KL Rahul’s estimated net worth is approximately ₹75 crore ($9 million), accumulated through his cricket contracts, endorsements, and business ventures.
How tall is KL Rahul?
KL Rahul stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall.
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