Introduction: KL Rahul’s Name and Its Surprising Origin
Many cricket fans have often wondered, which famous cricketer was KL Rahul named after?
In a candid interview, KL Rahul revealed something fascinating. He shared how he was named after a legendary cricketer — but due to a small mistake by his father, his name turned out differently.
KL Rahul, the stylish Indian batter, has made his name in cricket. But the name he carries was meant to be inspired by a different cricket icon. Let’s explore the full story behind his name, his background, and what led to the confusion.
KL Rahul: A Quick Introduction
Full Name: Kannur Lokesh Rahul
Born: April 18, 1992
Place: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Known For: Indian international cricketer, wicketkeeper-batsman
KL Rahul is one of India’s most dependable and stylish right-handed batsmen. He plays across all formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Rahul also has captained India in various matches and leads the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Which Famous Cricketer Was KL Rahul Named After?
Which Famous Cricketer Was KL Rahul Named After? Rohan Gavaskar, the son of Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s most iconic cricketers.
But due to a small mistake by Rahul’s father, he ended up being named “Rahul” instead of “Rohan.”
So, the cricketer KL Rahul was originally meant to be named after was Rohan Gavaskar. However, a misinterpretation of the name led to Rahul instead of Rohan.
The Confusion Behind the Name
In a 2022 interview, KL Rahul explained this in simple words:
“My dad loved Sunil Gavaskar. He wanted to name me after his son. But he thought Gavaskar’s son was called Rahul, not Rohan. So he named me KL Rahul instead.”
KL Rahul’s father, Dr. KN Lokesh, was a big fan of Sunil Gavaskar. He admired Gavaskar so much that he wanted his son to have a similar name.
But he mistakenly thought Rohan Gavaskar was named Rahul. So when his son was born, he named him Rahul, not knowing the real name of Gavaskar’s son.
Who is Sunil Gavaskar’s Son, Rohan Gavaskar?
Rohan Gavaskar, born February 20, 1976, is the son of cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. He played for India in ODIs and represented Bengal in domestic cricket. Though his international career was short, Rohan remains a respected figure in Indian cricket history.
The mistake came from KL Rahul’s father’s misunderstanding. While he meant to honor Rohan Gavaskar, the name “Rahul” was mistakenly chosen.
Why Did KL Rahul’s Father Choose That Name?
KL Rahul’s father, Dr. KN Lokesh, is a professor of civil engineering and a cricket enthusiast. He grew up during the golden era of Sunil Gavaskar.
Gavaskar was a role model for many Indians, and his discipline inspired Rahul’s father deeply.
So, when his son was born, he wanted to name him after the son of his cricket idol. Unfortunately, memory failed him at the wrong time, and “Rahul” was written down instead of “Rohan.”
How KL Rahul Reacted to the Story
KL Rahul has a good sense of humor about it. He laughs when he shares this story.
“My father didn’t realize until much later that the name was wrong. By then, it was too late,” Rahul once said in an interview.
Though he wasn’t named exactly as intended, Rahul feels proud to carry a name with such a backstory. It also connects him, in a way, to Sunil Gavaskar’s legacy — even if indirectly.
Impact of the Name on His Career
Many fans believe that Rahul’s name gave him positive energy. Even though it came from a small error, the story became a unique part of his identity.
He grew up with a name connected to cricket greatness. This may have inspired him to work harder and live up to expectations.
And today, KL Rahul has built a name of his own — one that is recognized across the cricket world.
The Rise of KL Rahul in Indian Cricket
From domestic cricket to international fame, KL Rahul’s journey has been remarkable. He made his Test debut in 2014 against Australia, and soon became known for his stylish batting.
Some highlights of his career:
-
Century in his second Test match
-
Double-century in Ranji Trophy
-
Multiple centuries in T20s and ODIs
-
Consistent performances in the IPL
-
Known for his calm attitude and technical skill
Despite injuries and challenges, Rahul has remained strong. Many fans now see him as one of India’s top all-format players.
Also Read: Which Indian Cricketer Scored a Century on His ODI Debut?
KL Rahul’s Family and Background
KL Rahul comes from a well-educated South Indian family.
Father: Dr. KN Lokesh – Professor
Mother: Rajeshwari – History professor
Hometown: Mangalore, Karnataka
He studied in NITK and showed interest in sports from a young age. His parents supported his cricket dream, even though academics were important in their home.
His story shows that you can chase sports dreams even from a non-sports background.
Lesser-Known Facts About KL Rahul
-
KL stands for Kannur Lokesh.
-
He is a trained wicketkeeper as well as batsman.
-
He holds the record for the fastest 50 in IPL by an Indian (14 balls).
-
Rahul is known for being soft-spoken and calm off the field.
-
He is married to actress Athiya Shetty, daughter of actor Suniel Shetty.
Social Media Reaction to the Naming Story
After KL Rahul shared the naming mistake in public, fans flooded Twitter and Instagram with funny and heartfelt reactions.
Many said:
“Even his name has a story worth a movie!”
Others praised Rahul’s father for his cricket love. It also made fans think about how small things can shape a person’s future.
Final Thoughts on the Naming Confusion
➤ KL Rahul was meant to be named after Rohan Gavaskar, the son of Sunil Gavaskar. But due to a simple mistake, he ended up being named “Rahul.”
Yet, life worked out well. Rahul became a cricketer just like Rohan — maybe even more successful. His name, accidental as it is, now holds great value in Indian cricket.
Sometimes, mistakes become blessings. KL Rahul’s story proves that perfectly.
FAQs About KL Rahul’s Name and Background
1. Which famous cricketer was KL Rahul named after?
Which Famous Cricketer Was KL Rahul Named After? Rohan Gavaskar, son of Sunil Gavaskar. But his father mistakenly thought his name was Rahul.
2. Did KL Rahul’s father realize the mistake later?
Yes. KL Rahul shared that his father realized the mistake only after naming him. By then, it was too late to change it.
3. Is KL Rahul related to Sunil Gavaskar or Rohan Gavaskar?
No, KL Rahul is not related to them. The naming was out of admiration.
4. What does KL stand for in KL Rahul?
KL stands for Kannur Lokesh, which includes his father’s and grandfather’s names.
5. Has Rohan Gavaskar responded to this story?
There is no official response from Rohan, but fans often tag him in fun posts when this story goes viral.
