Kunal Singh Rathore: The Rising Star from Kota Making Waves in the IPL

Who Is Kunal Singh Rathore?

Kunal Singh Rathore is a young and promising cricketer from India. Born in 2002 in the city of Kota, Rajasthan, he made history by becoming the first-ever cricketer from Kota to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In 2024, he debuted for the Rajasthan Royals in a high-pressure match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

His debut was not just about personal success. It was a moment of pride for his hometown, Kota, better known for its coaching institutes than for sports stars. Kunal Singh Rathore is changing that perception.

A Humble Beginning in Kota

Kota is a small city famous for academic coaching, not cricket. But for young Kunal Singh Rathore, the love for cricket began early. He started playing when he was just 8 years old. With no local role models to look up to in professional cricket, Rathore followed his passion with quiet determination.

Despite limited resources, his family supported his dreams. Hours of practice on dusty fields and participation in local tournaments slowly shaped him into a skilled cricketer. He worked hard on his technique as a batsman and eventually trained as a wicketkeeper, making him a dual-threat player.

Steady Rise Through Domestic Cricket

Before entering the glamorous world of the IPL, Kunal Singh Rathore proved himself in India’s domestic cricket system. He played for Rajasthan in multiple formats:

• First-Class Matches: 15 games, 580 runs
  
  

• List A Matches: 16 games, 404 runs
  
  

• T20 Matches: 12 games, 254 runs
  
  

In the 2022-23 season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s premier domestic T20 tournament, he scored 147 runs in his debut season. His consistent form continued in the 2023-24 season, where he added 107 runs with an average of 35.66—impressive numbers for someone so new to the format.

These stats may not look massive, but for a player starting out, they show promise and maturity beyond his years.

IPL Debut: A Moment of Glory

The dream of every young Indian cricketer is to play in the IPL, one of the most watched sports leagues in the world. In 2023, Rajasthan Royals picked Kunal Singh Rathore at his base price of ₹30 lakhs during the mega auction held in Saudi Arabia.

He stayed in the background during the initial games. But everything changed during the match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024.

Rajasthan Royals, already out of playoff contention, decided to give young talent a chance. Kunal Singh Rathore was handed his debut cap, replacing Nitish Rana, who had a minor injury. The match was played at Eden Gardens, one of India’s biggest and most iconic cricket stadiums.

Though the spotlight was on KKR needing a must-win, it was Kunal's quiet confidence and readiness to step up that caught attention. His inclusion also gave the Royals flexibility behind the stumps, especially since Sanju Samson, their captain and regular wicketkeeper, was sidelined due to injury.

Why Kunal Singh Rathore Matters

There are many talented players in India, but not everyone makes it to the IPL. So what makes Kunal Singh Rathore special?

• Hometown Hero: He broke barriers by being the first from Kota to play in the IPL.
  
  

• Versatility: As a wicketkeeper-batsman, he brings dual value to the team.
  
  

• Mental Toughness: Making a debut under pressure at Eden Gardens is not easy.
  
  

• Steady Growth: His stats in domestic cricket show consistent improvement.
  
  

He represents a new wave of Indian cricketers coming from smaller cities, proving that talent can shine from any corner of the country.

Challenges Ahead

Every young cricketer faces hurdles. For Kunal Singh Rathore, the road ahead is full of both promise and challenges. To become a regular in the IPL or even break into the Indian national team, he will need:

• Strong performances in upcoming domestic seasons
  
  

• Fitness and mental strength to deal with competition
  
  

• Ability to adapt his playing style for different match formats
  
  

Consistency and learning from senior players will be key.

Inspiring the Next Generation

In a city like Kota, where most youngsters dream of becoming engineers or doctors, Kunal Singh Rathore’s story is different. He is now a role model for local kids who love cricket but often give up due to lack of exposure or support.

Cricket academies in Kota have already reported increased interest after his debut. His journey shows that even without elite facilities, determination and hard work can open doors.

What's Next for Kunal Singh Rathore?

Kunal is just starting out. With age on his side and early exposure to high-level cricket, his future looks bright. Rajasthan Royals might groom him as a long-term wicketkeeper-batsman, especially with key players aging.

Scouts from other franchises and the Indian selectors will surely keep an eye on him during domestic tournaments. If he continues to deliver, don’t be surprised to see him in India’s T20 squad someday.

Final Thoughts

Kunal Singh Rathore is more than just a cricketer. He is a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets perseverance. His IPL debut may have come during a low phase for Rajasthan Royals, but it marked the beginning of something hopeful for Indian cricket.

He’s already inspired many by just stepping onto the field. Now, it’s time for him to turn that promise into long-term success.

Interestingly, as young talents like Rathore rise, there’s also growing public attention on age and authenticity in cricket. An old clip of Vaibhav Suryavanshi recently went viral, raising questions about age verification, showing just how much scrutiny these rising stars now face.