KL Rahul Family

Akshita Patel

KL Rahul Family [Source: @suniel.shetty/Instagram]KL Rahul Family [Source: @suniel.shetty/Instagram]

KL Rahul, born on April 18, 1992, in Mangalore, Karnataka, is a stylish and versatile Indian cricketer, famous for his graceful batting style and versatility across the formats.

A right-handed top-order batter and occasional wicketkeeper, Rahul arrived in international cricket in 2014 and quickly gained attention for becoming the first Indian to score a century on debut in ODIs.

What made Rahul popular amongst fans is his humility and soft-spoken personality. Those were planted in him by his caring family.

KL Rahul’s Family Members

KL Rahul’s Family Members [Source: @klrahul/X.com]KL Rahul’s Family Members [Source: @klrahul/X.com]

Rahul’s Parents

Father: Dr. K. N. Lokesh

KL Rahul's father, K. N. Lokesh, hailing from Kannanur in Magadi, is a professor and has also been the director of the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) in Mangalore. A passionate fan of Sunil Gavaskar, Lokesh had intended to name his son after Gavaskar’s son but mistakenly believed his name was Rahul instead of Rohan.

Mother: Rajeshwari

KL Rahul's mother, Rajeshwari, is an academic by profession. She works as a professor at Mangalore University. She not only supported Rahul’s journey as a cricketer but also emphasised the importance of education. She regularly pushed her son to complete his education, but KL never got the time to fulfill her request.

Rahul’s Sister: Bhavna

KL Rahul has an elder sister named Bhavna. She shares a very close bond with her brother, and their sibling relationship is both strong and affectionate. In fact, Rahul once prioritised family over cricket by withdrawing from the West Indies series to attend Bhavana’s wedding, which took place in February 2022.


KL Rahul Wife: Athiya Shetty

KL Rahul Wife: Athiya Shetty [Source: @klrahul/X.com]KL Rahul Wife: Athiya Shetty [Source: @klrahul/X.com]

Who Is Athiya Shetty?

KL Rahul is married to Athiya Shetty, a former Bollywood actress and the daughter of famous actor Suniel Shetty and entrepreneur Mana Shetty. Born on November 5, 1992, in Mumbai, Athiya attended the American School of Bombay and then took acting training at the New York Film Academy. 

She entered the movie world with the film 'Hero' in 2015 and received the Filmfare Award nomination for Best Female Debut for the same. She worked on several films like 'Mubarakan' and 'Motichoor Chaknachoor' during the course of her acting career, before she quit acting in 2025 to devote herself to her personal life and being a mother.

KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty’s Love Story

KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty's romance is the best of cricket and Bollywood glamour. The two allegedly met through common friends and started going out in 2019. Though they had kept their affair under wraps initially, their relationship was clear in public appearances and social media updates. 

They drew closer with time, with Athiya joining Rahul on overseas tours. The couple tied the knot on January 23, 2023, in an intimate ceremony at Suniel Shetty’s farmhouse in Khandala.

KL Rahul’s Daughter

KL Rahul’s Daughter [Source: @klrahul/Instagram]KL Rahul’s Daughter [Source: @klrahul/Instagram]


Birth of Evaarah

KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty’s daughter is Evaarah Vipula Rahul, born on March 24, 2025. Evaarah is a Sanskrit-origin name meaning “Gift of God.” Vipula is her middle name, chosen to honour Athiya’s maternal grandmother. Rahul is her surname, carrying forward her father’s name. 

Interestingly, KL discovered the name "Evaarah" while browsing name books and googling its meaning, it was Athiya’s parents and his who fell in love with it first. Even though Athiya was a bit apprehensive at the beginning, the significance of the name sunk in with her.

Family’s Role In KL Rahul’s Career

KL Rahul’s family has played a crucial role in his cricketing journey. His father, K.N. Lokesh, a cricket fanatic and professor, introduced him to cricket and instilled the discipline and concentration required for the game. 

His mother, Rajeshwari, a professor also, provided emotional support during his initial times of struggles. Rahul is equally close to his elder sister Bhavana, who stood by him throughout. Later, his wife, Athiya Shetty, an actress, was a big source of motivation, frequently being spotted supporting him in matches and also during difficult times.

FAQs about KL Rahul Family

Q.1 What is the family background of KL Rahul?

Answer: KL Rahul belongs to a scholar family in Karnataka. His father, K.N. Lokesh, was a professor and a former director of NITK, whereas his mother, Rajeshwari, is a history professor at Mangalore University. Though they were scholars by profession, Rahul's family encouraged him in cricket.

Q.2 Is KL Rahul having a child?

Answer: KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty, his wife, had their first daughter, Evaarah, on March 24, 2025.

Q.3 What is the profession of KL Rahul’s father?

Answer: KL Rahul's father, Dr. K. N. Lokesh, is a professor of civil engineering and has worked as the director of the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Mangalore, in the past.

Q.4 Does KL Rahul speak Tulu?

Answer: Yes, KL Rahul does speak Tulu, which is his mother tongue of coastal Karnataka. He's been heard uttering it in functions and also in social media, where he usually receives cheers whenever he speaks to people in Tulu.

Q.5 Is KL Rahul related to Sunil Shetty?

Answer: Yes, Sunil Shetty is KL Rahul's father-in-law. The cricketer married Shetty's daughter Athiya in 2023.