Kunal Singh Rathore

Kunal Singh Rathore

Role:

Batting Style: Left Handed Bat

Bowling Style: Right-arm offbreak

Country: India

Team: Rajasthan Royals

Player profile for Kunal Singh Rathore

Early Life and Cricketing Journey

Kunal’s cricketing journey began at the age of eight when he accompanied his elder brother to a local academy. Initially interested in fast bowling, he soon transitioned to wicketkeeping, finding it a strategic way to ensure batting opportunities during practice sessions. His commitment led him to the Rajasthan Royals Academy in Nagpur as an Under-17 player, where he trained under Zubin Bharucha, the Royals’ Director of High Performance.

Domestic Career

Kunal made his debut for the Rajasthan cricket team across all formats during the 2022-23 season:

  • First-Class Debut: Goa vs. Rajasthan at Porvorim, December 2022
  • List A Debut: Assam vs. Rajasthan at Kolkata, November 2022
  • T20 Debut: Madhya Pradesh vs. Rajasthan at Rajkot, October 2022 cite turn0search1

In the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, he scored 245 runs, including a maiden century against Manipur, and achieved 19 dismissals as a wicketkeeper. He further impressed in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 250 runs and 24 dismissals, playing a pivotal role in Rajasthan’s journey to the finals.

IPL Career

Kunal’s standout performances in domestic cricket led to his selection by the Rajasthan Royals for the 2023 IPL season, making him the first player from Kota to secure an IPL contract. Although he didn’t play in the 2023 season, he was retained for 2024 but remained on the bench. In the 2025 IPL auction, Rajasthan reacquired him for INR 30 lakh, reaffirming their belief in his potential.

Personal Life

Kunal is the son of Ajay Singh Rathore and Nirmala. He has a brother named Dikshant Singh Rathore. He completed his schooling at M.B. International School in Kota. Outside cricket, Kunal enjoys traveling and dancing, and he maintains an active presence on social media, often sharing insights into his fitness routines and cricketing journey.

Future Outlook

With his consistent performances and the backing of the Rajasthan Royals, Kunal Singh Rathore is poised for a promising future in Indian cricket. His journey reflects his resilience and commitment, and fans eagerly anticipate his contributions to both domestic and IPL cricket in the coming years.