KKR vs RR IPL 2025: Who Is Kunal Singh Rathore? Kota Wicket-Keeper Making His IPL Debut

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KKR vs RR: A long-awaited dream is about to turn into reality for Kunal Singh Rathore. The young wicketkeeper-batter from Kota is on the brink of making his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals, becoming the first-ever player from his city to feature in the league.

His journey has been built on patience, hard work, and quiet perseverance rather than overnight stardom.

Rathore's early days in domestic cricket were unremarkable. He made his entry into Rajasthan's first-class and List-A sides with modest numbers, but his potential was evident.

The turning point came during the 2022 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 147 runs at a healthy average and strike rate, catching the attention of IPL scouts. That performance earned him a spot in the Royals squad ahead of the 2023 season.

Though he didn't get a game last year, Rathore made the most of the opportunity to learn from seasoned names like Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, and Dhruv Jurel. Under the mentorship of head coach Kumar Sangakkara, the youngster focused on sharpening both his technique and mental strength. Those lessons would soon translate into results on the domestic circuit.

He returned to first-class cricket with renewed hunger, scoring 245 runs in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season at an average above 40, including a memorable maiden century against Manipur. Behind the stumps, he showed great promise with 19 dismissals.

Rathore followed it up with a solid run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, contributing 250 runs at an average of 41.66 and adding 24 dismissals to his growing resume.

What stood out even more was his progression in the shortest format. In the latest Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he improved on his past numbers by increasing his strike rate significantly-from 128.94 to an explosive 152.85-while averaging over 35.

Now, with the stage set, Rathore is ready to don the Royals jersey and step into the IPL spotlight. For someone coming from a city not traditionally known for cricketing success, his journey is already a landmark moment.

As he prepares for his first appearance, Rathore isn't just playing for himself-he's carrying the hopes of Kota and showing what's possible with belief and resilience.