Kunal Singh Rathore Makes IPL Debut
The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is full of action and surprises. One of the biggest moments recently was the debut of Kunal Singh Rathore, a young cricketer from Kota, Rajasthan. He played his first match for Rajasthan Royals (RR) after Nitish Rana was injured. This sudden change brought attention to a rising talent who might become a star in the future.
Who is Kunal Singh Rathore?
Kunal Singh Rathore is a 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman born in Kota, Rajasthan. He is known for his left-handed batting and quick reflexes behind the stumps. Kunal began playing cricket at the age of 8 and trained at a local academy in Kota.
Before joining the IPL, he played in major domestic tournaments such as:
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
- Vijay Hazare Trophy
- Ranji Trophy
His consistent performance in these tournaments caught the attention of the Rajasthan Royals, who picked him as a backup wicketkeeper-batsman. Though he was in the squad before, IPL 2025 is his debut season.
Why is Nitish Rana Not Playing?
Nitish Rana, a key player in the IPL and former captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), was expected to be a part of the Rajasthan Royals this season after being bought in the auction for ₹4.2 crore. However, just before the RR vs KKR match, he suffered a finger fracture, making him unavailable for selection.
This injury was disappointing for fans, especially since Rana was supposed to face his former team, KKR. But his absence gave a golden opportunity to Kunal Singh Rathore to showcase his skills on the big stage.
Kunal Singh Rathore’s Debut Match: RR vs KKR
Kunal Singh Rathore played his first IPL match against KKR, one of the top teams in the league. The pressure was high, but he handled it with calmness and focus. Here’s how he performed:
- Batting: He scored valuable runs in the middle order, showing good technique.
- Wicketkeeping: He took clean catches and was active behind the stumps.
- Body language: He looked confident and didn’t let pressure affect his game.
Fans and cricket experts appreciated his debut performance and called him a promising talent for the future.
The Importance of Kunal’s Debut
Kunal Singh Rathore is the first player from Kota to play in the IPL. This is a big achievement not just for him, but also for young cricketers from small towns. His journey proves that talent can come from anywhere if there is dedication and support.
His selection also shows that Rajasthan Royals continue to believe in young Indian talent, giving them the platform to grow and perform.
What’s Next for Kunal and Rajasthan Royals?
With Nitish Rana out due to injury, Kunal Singh Rathore might get more chances to play in upcoming matches. If he continues to perform well, he can become a regular member of the team.
Rajasthan Royals will also benefit from having an energetic and fresh player in their lineup. His presence adds balance to the team and gives more options in both batting and wicketkeeping.
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Final Thoughts
The IPL is not just about big stars — it is also about discovering new talent. Kunal Singh Rathore’s debut is a shining example of how young players can make a name for themselves when given a chance. While Nitish Rana’s injury was unfortunate, it opened the door for a new journey to begin.
Keep an eye on Kunal Singh Rathore. He could be the next big name in Indian cricket.
