Full Name: Kunal Singh Rathore
Nickname: Kunal
Date of Birth: October 9, 2002
Age: 22 (as of 2025)
Place of Birth: Kota, Rajasthan, India
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Hinduism
Profession: Professional Cricketer (Wicketkeeper-Batsman)
Batting Style: Left-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm off break (occasionally)
Role in Team: Wicketkeeper-Batsman
Net Worth: Estimated ₹50–70 lakh (as of 2025, including IPL contract and endorsements)
Kunal Singh Rathore is a rising star in Indian domestic cricket, hailing from Kota, Rajasthan. Known for his aggressive batting style and agile wicketkeeping, Kunal represents a new generation of cricketers emerging from non-metro cities in India. He has gained national attention following his debut for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has been earmarked as one to watch in the coming years.
Early Life and Background
Kunal Singh Rathore was born on October 9, 2002, in the bustling city of Kota, located in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan. From a very young age, Kunal exhibited a keen interest in cricket. He began playing cricket when he was just 8 years old, often seen practicing with tennis balls on local grounds and streets.
His educational journey took place at M.B. International School, one of the reputed schools in Kota. Despite Kota being better known as a hub for engineering and medical coaching, Kunal carved out a different path by dedicating himself to sports—particularly cricket.
He comes from a supportive and academically inclined family. His father, Ajay Singh Rathore, is a programmer at the Institute of Management Training Institute (IMTI), and his mother, Nirmala Rathore, works at a co-operative bank. Kunal also has an elder brother, Dikshant Singh Rathore, who has played a vital role in motivating and guiding him throughout his formative years.
Growing up in a city with limited cricketing infrastructure compared to metro cities, Kunal’s journey is especially inspiring. His determination, family support, and local coaching laid the foundation for what would become a significant cricketing career.
Domestic Cricket Career
Kunal’s professional breakthrough came in 2022, when he was selected to play for the Rajasthan state team in India’s domestic circuit. He made appearances across all formats—First-Class (Ranji Trophy), List A (Vijay Hazare Trophy), and T20 (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy)—a rare feat for a newcomer in a single season.
In the 2023–24 Ranji Trophy, he emerged as a key player for Rajasthan. One of the highlights of his season was scoring his maiden First-Class century against Manipur, which helped cement his place in the squad. Over the season, he accumulated 245 runs and was involved in 19 dismissals behind the stumps—showcasing not only his batting talent but also his reliability as a wicketkeeper.
His performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was equally impressive. Kunal scored 250 runs, with a solid average, and completed 24 dismissals. His consistent contributions were instrumental in Rajasthan’s run to the finals of the tournament, marking one of their best showings in recent years.
Kunal has earned praise from coaches and selectors alike for his ability to stay composed under pressure, make quick decisions as a wicketkeeper, and switch gears with the bat when the team requires aggressive runs.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career
Kunal’s consistent domestic performances caught the attention of IPL scouts. During the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, he was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals for ₹30 lakh. With this achievement, he became the first cricketer from Kota to sign an IPL contract—a historic moment not just for him but for his entire city.
He made his IPL debut on May 4, 2025, in a high-stakes match against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens. Despite a challenging start—being dismissed for a five-ball duck and sustaining a minor hand injury—his selection itself was viewed as a vote of confidence from the Royals’ management. The franchise believes he has the talent and temperament to grow into a dependable middle-order batter and an athletic wicketkeeper in T20 cricket.
The Royals have been known for nurturing young Indian talent (such as Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag), and Kunal is considered the next big prospect in that line.
Playing Style and Personal Interests
Kunal is known for his explosive batting in the T20 format, with a career strike rate of 128.94. He often bats in the lower-middle order and is capable of turning the game around in the final overs. His technique allows him to play both spin and pace well, and he’s also admired for his innovative shot selection under pressure.
Behind the stumps, Kunal has demonstrated sharp reflexes and a calm head—traits that are essential for any successful wicketkeeper.
When it comes to his inspirations, Kunal has spoken about idolizing Brad Haddin, the former Australian wicketkeeper, for his fearless style, and Virat Kohli for his unmatched intensity and passion for the game.
Off the field, Kunal maintains a low profile. He is active on Instagram where he occasionally shares glimpses of his training sessions, travel, and personal life. He also enjoys fitness training and follows a disciplined regimen to stay in peak athletic condition.
Legacy and Aspirations
While still in the early stages of his career, Kunal Singh Rathore has already made a lasting impact on cricket fans in Rajasthan, especially in Kota. His journey from local grounds to the IPL is a testament to what focused ambition and hard work can achieve—even from cities with limited sporting exposure.
He aspires to earn a place in the Indian national team, and if he continues on his current trajectory, that dream may not be too far off. For now, fans and selectors alike are watching his progress closely, anticipating big things from this young cricketer.
