Kunal Singh Rathore Biography, Career, Net Worth, IPL Career, Power Profile of a Rising Star
In the world of cricket, new stars are born every season, but few manage to capture attention with consistent performances and a strong persona like Kunal Singh Rathore. A name that is steadily rising in Indian cricket circles, Rathore is not just another talent from the domestic circuit. His journey from humble beginnings to the grand stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is both inspiring and motivational.
With a unique blend of dedication, skill, and charisma, Kunal is carving out a space for himself in a highly competitive arena. This article dives deep into his biography, career milestones, IPL journey, and net worth, and also sheds light on his lifestyle and future goals.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Background
Family and Childhood
Kunal Singh Rathore was born in Kota, Rajasthan, into a family that valued discipline, education, and sport. His father, a government employee, and mother, a homemaker, played pivotal roles in nurturing his early interests in cricket. From backyard games to local matches, Rathore’s natural flair for the sport was visible from an early age.
Though his family wasn’t deeply rooted in professional sports, they were ardent cricket fans and supported Kunal’s ambition without hesitation.
Education
Balancing academics with a growing passion for cricket is no easy feat. Kunal attended a reputed school in Kota and later enrolled in college while continuing his rigorous training schedule. He completed his education with a degree in commerce, showing that he valued education just as much as his cricketing career.
Cricketing Beginnings
Local Tournaments and Early Success
Kunal’s tryst with cricket began in local grounds and district-level matches. By age 12, he had already made waves in inter-school tournaments, often emerging as the top scorer. His early coach identified his potential as a left-handed batsman with an elegant stroke play that made him stand out.
Rathore’s performance in Rajasthan’s U-14 and U-16 circuits solidified his place as one of the top prospects in the state.
Entry into Domestic Cricket
In 2021, Kunal Singh Rathore made his debut in domestic cricket with Rajasthan’s state team. His initial outings in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy proved his mettle, where he showed maturity beyond his years. His fearless approach and ability to anchor innings made him a valuable middle-order batsman.
Rise in Domestic Cricket
Performance in Ranji Trophy
Kunal’s performances in the Ranji Trophy have been impressive, particularly his maiden century against a strong bowling unit in 2022. He averaged over 48 runs per innings in the season, a commendable figure for a newcomer.
Analysts and coaches praised his composure under pressure, often drawing comparisons to established Indian middle-order batters.
Impact in Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophies
In white-ball formats, Rathore demonstrated his aggressive but calculated gameplay. During the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he maintained a strike rate of over 90, often accelerating the innings at crucial moments. His performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy included a blistering 65* off 32 balls—an innings that caught the attention of IPL scouts.
Breakthrough Moment
Media Attention and Recognition
Kunal’s breakthrough came when his domestic performances were picked up by national sports media. Features on platforms like Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo praised his cricketing IQ and adaptability across formats.
His calm demeanor and articulate interviews also won him fans off the field, enhancing his appeal as a rising public figure.
Role Models and Inspirations
In interviews, Rathore cites Rahul Dravid and Suresh Raina as his biggest inspirations. Like them, he values team play over individual accolades and believes in continuous self-improvement.
IPL Career
Selection and Auction Details
Kunal Singh Rathore was picked in the 2023 IPL Auction by the Rajasthan Royals for ₹20 lakhs. Though not the most expensive pick, it was a significant leap in his career.
His selection was backed by impressive domestic stats and strong recommendations from scouts who saw him as a perfect fit for the Royals’ strategy of nurturing young Indian talent.
Performance in the IPL
Rathore debuted against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he played a handy knock of 28 runs under pressure. In the 2024 season, he featured in 6 matches, scoring 145 runs with a strike rate of 130+, including a vital 40-run knock that helped secure a close win.
Coaches lauded his work ethic, and commentators noted his composure as his strongest asset in high-pressure situations.
Playing Style and Strengths
Batting Style and Signature Shots
Kunal Singh Rathore is a left-handed batsman known for his clean technique and smart shot selection. His batting style draws admiration due to its balance between classical elegance and modern aggression. While he can patiently build an innings, Kunal also has the ability to shift gears and attack when required.
His signature shots include the cover drive and the pull shot, both of which he plays with remarkable ease. His ability to rotate strike in the middle overs makes him a dependable player in pressure situations.
Fielding and Versatility
Beyond his batting, Rathore is a reliable fielder, especially in the inner ring. Agile and alert, he has saved crucial runs and taken some sharp catches during domestic and IPL matches. Occasionally, he also keeps wickets, offering flexibility to his team. His all-round abilities make him a captain’s asset in tight games.
Net Worth and Earnings
Salary from Cricket
Kunal’s primary income source is professional cricket. As a player under the Rajasthan Cricket Association and a member of the Rajasthan Royals, his earnings include match fees, seasonal contracts, and bonuses. His estimated salary from state-level and IPL cricket is approximately ₹30–50 lakhs per annum.
Here’s a quick breakdown of his estimated income:
| Source | Estimated Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| IPL Contract (2024) | ₹20 lakhs |
| Domestic Cricket | ₹10–15 lakhs |
| Match Bonuses | ₹5–8 lakhs |
| Brand Deals | ₹5–10 lakhs |
Brand Endorsements and Deals
With growing recognition, Kunal has signed endorsement deals with sportswear and energy drink brands. Though still early in his career, his clean image and increasing fanbase make him a strong candidate for future collaborations with major brands like Nike, SG, and Red Bull.
Personal Life
Hobbies and Interests
Off the field, Rathore is known to be grounded and disciplined. He enjoys reading motivational books, especially biographies of sports icons. He’s also a fan of fitness, regularly sharing snippets of his gym routines and meal plans on social media.
Kunal is a music enthusiast, often seen with his headphones before matches to get into the zone. He enjoys genres like classic rock and indie pop.
Social Media Presence
Kunal maintains a growing presence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he engages with fans, shares practice clips, matchday moments, and behind-the-scenes glimpses from his life. His follower count is steadily rising, thanks to his impressive performances and relatable content.
Official Instagram: @kunalrathore_official
Twitter: @ksrathore_
Future Prospects
Kunal Singh Rathore’s journey is only beginning. With consistent performances and a level-headed approach, he’s on track to become a mainstay in the Indian domestic scene and a potential candidate for India A and even the national team.
Experts believe that with mentorship and international exposure, he could evolve into a finisher or dependable middle-order batsman—a role much needed in Indian cricket’s current landscape.
FAQs About Kunal Singh Rathore
1. Who is Kunal Singh Rathore?
Kunal Singh Rathore is an Indian cricketer from Rajasthan known for his performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, where he plays for Rajasthan Royals.
2. What is Kunal Singh Rathore’s age?
As of 2025, Kunal Singh Rathore is 22 years old, having been born in 2002 in Kota, Rajasthan.
3. What role does Kunal Singh Rathore play in cricket?
He is a left-handed middle-order batsman who occasionally keeps wickets and is known for his smart strike rotation and finishing capabilities.
4. How much is Kunal Singh Rathore’s net worth?
His estimated net worth in 2025 is around ₹50–60 lakhs, including IPL contracts, domestic earnings, and endorsements.
5. When did Kunal Singh Rathore debut in the IPL?
He made his IPL debut in 2023 for Rajasthan Royals during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
6. What are Kunal Singh Rathore’s strengths as a cricketer?
His strengths include versatile batting, a calm temperament, efficient fielding, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Conclusion
Kunal Singh Rathore’s story is that of perseverance, growth, and passion. From local matches in Rajasthan to dazzling IPL performances, his cricketing graph is climbing steadily. As Indian cricket looks for its next generation of match-winners, Rathore is certainly a name to watch.
His balanced approach to the game, both on and off the field, marks him as more than just a player—he’s a professional who respects the craft, works hard, and inspires others through his journey.
With talent and the right guidance, Kunal Singh Rathore could soon become a household name not just in IPL, but on the global cricketing stage.
