Harshvardhan Mishra
Kannur Lokesh Rahul, popularly known as KL Rahul, is one of the most stylish and versatile cricketers of modern Indian cricket. Known for his elegant batting technique, Rahul has carved a niche for himself across all formats of the game. While his cricketing talent is widely recognized, not many know the interesting story behind his name—particularly, that he was named after one of India’s most beloved cricketers: Rahul Dravid. However, the story has an unexpected twist.
The Name Game: A Curious Case of Mistaken Identity
KL Rahul was born on April 18, 1992, in Mangalore, Karnataka. His father, Dr. K. N. Lokesh, is a professor and former director at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), and his mother, Rajeshwari, is a history professor. The family placed a strong emphasis on education, but Rahul’s sporting talent was evident from a young age.
In several interviews, KL Rahul has revealed that his father was a huge fan of cricket. He particularly admired Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian opening batsman. As the story goes, his father once read that Sunil Gavaskar had named his son “Rahul.” Inspired by this, he decided to name his own son Rahul as well.
However, there was a misunderstanding.
Sunil Gavaskar had actually named his son Rohan Gavaskar, not Rahul. It was a case of mistaken identity or a confusion in some article or source that Rahul’s father read. Nevertheless, the name “Rahul” stuck, and thus Kannur Lokesh Rahul was named—unknowingly—after the wrong person.
KL Rahul himself recounted this humorous anecdote during an interview on a talk show. He said:
“My father was a huge fan of Sunil Gavaskar and read somewhere that Gavaskar’s son was named Rahul. That’s how I got my name. But it was only later that we found out Gavaskar’s son is actually named Rohan, not Rahul.”
The Rahul Dravid Connection
Despite being named after someone else, KL Rahul has often been associated with Rahul Dravid, especially due to their common connection to Karnataka and their composed demeanors. Dravid, known as “The Wall” of Indian cricket, also hails from Karnataka and was one of the most technically sound batsmen India has produced. He served as an inspiration for countless young cricketers, including KL Rahul.
Interestingly, Rahul Dravid played a key role in KL Rahul’s development. As the coach of the India A and later the India U-19 teams, Dravid mentored several young cricketers, including Rahul. Their bond has grown stronger over the years, with KL Rahul often praising Dravid’s guidance and calm influence on his career.
In fact, KL Rahul made his Test debut for India in December 2014 during the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne, just a couple of years after working closely with Dravid in the domestic and developmental circuits.
More Than Just a Name
While KL Rahul may not have been directly named after Rahul Dravid, the influence of the former Indian captain is unmistakable in his game. Rahul’s technique, temperament, and adaptability mirror Dravid’s discipline and cricketing values. Over the years, Rahul has taken on multiple roles—from an opening batsman to a middle-order stabilizer and even a wicketkeeper—showcasing his team-first attitude, much like Dravid did during his playing days.
In interviews, KL Rahul has often acknowledged the contribution of Rahul Dravid in shaping his career. Whether it was offering technical advice or mentoring him through difficult phases, Dravid’s influence has been profound.
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A Name, A Legacy, and a Bright Future
The story of how KL Rahul got his name might be rooted in a small mix-up, but the journey that followed has been nothing short of remarkable. From being a young boy inspired by cricketing greats to becoming one of the mainstays of the Indian batting line-up, KL Rahul has lived up to the legacy associated with the name “Rahul.”
Today, he is not only known for his elegant stroke play but also for his leadership qualities, having captained teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and stepping in as vice-captain and occasional skipper for the Indian national team.
In a way, the name “Rahul” now represents a unique blend of past greatness and future promise. Whether it was meant to honor Sunil Gavaskar’s (fictional) son or not, KL Rahul has ensured that the name carries weight in Indian cricket in its own right.
