KL Rahul Turns 33: 10 Lesser-Known Facts About the Stylish Cricketer on His Birthday
As KL Rahul celebrates his 33rd birthday, here are 10 unknown yet fascinating facts about the cricketer that reveal the man behind the bat, from tattoos to Test match dreams.

Key Highlights:
KL Rahul, India’s multi-format star and current IPL 2025 Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter, turns 33 today (April 18). Known for his elegance with the bat and stylish off-field presence, Rahul is also one of the most versatile cricketers of the modern era.
On his birthday, we uncover 10 lesser-known facts about him — from diet to tattoos, fitness, and inspiration — that showcase his personality beyond the cricket field.
1. KL Rahul Began His Cricket Journey at Age 11
Rahul’s cricketing dreams took shape at a summer camp in Mangalore when he was just 11 years old. This early start laid the foundation for his remarkable rise.
2. He Is a Committed Vegetarian
Despite his active sporting life, KL Rahul maintains a strict vegetarian diet, which he complements with disciplined fitness and hydration routines.
3. Rahul Follows a DNA-Based Diet
He customizes his nutrition based on DNA profiling, a modern trend adopted by elite athletes for maximizing recovery and output.
4. Fitness Runs in His Blood — Literally
Running forms the core of Rahul’s workout regime. He believes it keeps his mind and body in sync and contributes to his quick reflexes on the field.
5. Tattoo Lover with Deep Personal Meanings
With multiple tattoos on his arms, torso, and back, each of KL Rahul’s tattoos carries a specific personal story or memory. He has expressed plans to add more in the future.
6. Federer Over Cricket? Maybe Not, But Close
Rahul deeply admires Roger Federer, whom he considers a role model for composure, elegance, and consistency.
7. MS Dhoni Is His Wicketkeeping Idol
Though known primarily as a batsman, Rahul often dons the gloves in white-ball formats. His approach is heavily inspired by MS Dhoni, whom he credits as his wicketkeeping influence.
8. Test Cricket Remains His Favorite Format
Despite being a regular in limited-overs formats, Rahul says Test cricket is his true passion, valuing its intensity and mental toughness.
9. He Misses His Dog Simba More Than Anything
Rahul is a dog lover, and his pet, Simba, often features in his Instagram posts. When touring, Simba is what he misses the most.
10. He Dreams of Playing the 2001 Kolkata Test
If given the chance, Rahul has said he would love to be part of the legendary 2001 Eden Gardens Test match between India and Australia — famously turned around by Dravid and Laxman.
KL Rahul at 33 – A Modern Cricketer with an Old Soul
On his 33rd birthday, KL Rahul continues to evolve — not just as a cricketer, but as a role model admired for both discipline and depth. Whether it’s his admiration for Dhoni and Federer, or his dream of playing in a Test from the past, Rahul combines elegance, resilience, and introspection like few others.
As he enters a new chapter — now also a father and team leader — KL Rahul remains a key figure in Indian cricket, and an inspiration to a new generation of fans.
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