Which Famous Cricketer Was KL Rahul Named After? The Surprising Truth

Discover which famous cricketer was KL Rahul named after and the surprising story behind his name. Hint: It’s not Rahul Dravid! Learn the truth here.

Many cricket fans wonder which famous cricketer was KL Rahul named after, and the answer might surprise you. Despite what many believe, the story behind KL Rahul’s name involves a fascinating case of mistaken identity that connects him to one of India’s greatest cricket legends—but not the one most people assume.

Which Famous Cricketer Was KL Rahul Named After? The Truth Revealed

If you’ve ever asked which famous cricketer was KL Rahul named after, the story involves a fascinating misunderstanding. Contrary to popular belief, KL Rahul was not named after Rahul Dravid, despite both being stylish batsmen from Karnataka. The truth is much more interesting.

KL Rahul’s father, Dr. K.N. Lokesh, was an ardent fan of legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar. He wanted to name his son after Gavaskar’s son, believing his name was Rahul. However, Gavaskar’s son is named Rohan, not Rahul. This mix-up led to KL Rahul getting his name, creating an interesting cricket legacy through a simple misunderstanding.

During an “Breakfast with Champions” interview with Gaurav Kapur, KL Rahul explained: “My father was a big fan of Sunil Gavaskar and wanted to name me after his son. He thought Gavaskar’s son was called Rahul, but he was Rohan. When he realized the mistake, my name was already registered as Rahul.”

The Story Behind KL Rahul’s Name and Family Background

The story behind KL Rahul’s name begins with his highly educated family. His father, Dr. K.N. Lokesh, was not just a cricket enthusiast but also a professor and former director at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka. His mother, Rajeshwari, is a history professor at Mangalore University, creating an environment where both education and cricket were valued.

KL Rahul’s full name, Kannaur Lokesh Rahul, reflects his family’s roots. “Kannaur” refers to his ancestral village, while “Lokesh” comes from his father’s name. This naming tradition is common in South India, where family heritage is preserved through names.

Despite growing up in an academically focused household, Rahul balanced education with his passion for cricket:

His father’s love for cricket, particularly his admiration for Sunil Gavaskar, played a crucial role in shaping Rahul’s career path and, inadvertently, his name.

KL Rahul’s Cricket Journey and Achievements

KL Rahul has established himself as one of India’s most versatile cricketers across all formats of the game. His career is marked by several impressive milestones that showcase his batting prowess and adaptability.

Career Highlights and Records

The journey of KL Rahul from domestic cricket to international stardom is filled with remarkable achievements. His ability to adapt to different formats and positions has earned him recognition as India’s “crisis man,” stepping up whenever the team needs him.

The Rahul Dravid Connection: Clearing the Misconception

Contrary to popular belief, Rahul Dravid is not the cricketer after whom KL Rahul was named. This misconception likely stems from several coincidences: both are from Karnataka, both are known for their technical batting skills, and of course, they share the same first name.

Though not named after him, KL Rahul shares many batting qualities with Rahul Dravid, earning comparisons throughout his career. The elegant stroke play, solid technique, and calm demeanor at the crease are traits that connect these two Karnataka batsmen across generations.

Interestingly, Dravid has played a significant role in KL Rahul’s development as a cricketer. As a mentor and coach, Dravid has guided Rahul during his time with India A and later as the head coach of the Indian national team. This mentor-mentee relationship adds another layer to their connection, despite the naming coincidence being just that—a coincidence.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Influence on Indian Cricket

Sunil Gavaskar was the cricketing idol of KL Rahul’s father, which directly influenced the naming of his son. As one of India’s greatest opening batsmen, Gavaskar set numerous records that inspired a generation of cricketers and fans alike.

During his illustrious career spanning from 1971 to 1987, Gavaskar:

• Became the first player to score 10,000 Test runs
• Held the record for most Test centuries (34) for many years
• Established himself as one of cricket’s greatest opening batsmen
• Led India in 47 Test matches as captain

His technical excellence against fast bowling, particularly during an era when protective gear was minimal, earned him worldwide respect. This excellence made him a hero to many Indians, including Dr. Lokesh, who wanted to honor the legend by naming his son after Gavaskar’s son.

KL Rahul: Beyond the Name

Beyond the story of his name, KL Rahul has crafted his own identity in Indian cricket. His journey is marked by both professional achievements and interesting personal details that make him one of cricket’s most fascinating personalities.

Personal Life and Interests

• Family Connection: In January 2023, KL Rahul married Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty, daughter of actor Suniel Shetty, in a private ceremony at Khandala
• Culinary Preference: Japanese cuisine is his favorite food
• Music Choice: Fan of Coldplay and EDM
• Body Art: Sports seven meaningful tattoos
• Dream Destination: Greece tops his travel wishlist

Professional Recognition

Dale Steyn, the legendary South African fast bowler, recognized Rahul’s potential early in his career. Steyn predicted Rahul’s success in the Indian team under MS Dhoni’s leadership—a prediction that proved accurate as Rahul established himself across formats.

With an estimated net worth of ₹101 crores as of 2024, KL Rahul has translated his on-field success to significant off-field earnings through endorsements and IPL contracts, most recently with Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crores.

Conclusion: A Name Born from Admiration

The question of which famous cricketer was KL Rahul named after has an interesting answer rooted in his father’s admiration for Sunil Gavaskar. What began as a case of mistaken identity—confusing Rohan Gavaskar with “Rahul” Gavaskar—created a cricketing legacy that has flourished in its own right.

Today, KL Rahul stands as one of India’s premier batsmen, having carved his own identity in cricket history. The story behind his name serves as a reminder of how cricket heroes inspire generations and how sometimes, the most interesting stories come from simple misunderstandings.

While he wasn’t named after Rahul Dravid as many assume, KL Rahul has embodied many of the qualities that made both Gavaskar and Dravid legends of the game—technical excellence, mental fortitude, and the ability to adapt to different challenges. In doing so, he has ensured that the name “Rahul” continues to hold a special place in Indian cricket.

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