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KL Rahul century - (Source : AP)
Star batter KL Rahul, who shone for India in the first Test against England, is experiencing a beautiful transition in his life. The 33-year-old recently became a father after he and his wife, Athiya Shetty, welcomed a baby girl on March 24, 2025.
KL Rahul's Act Impresses DC Coach
Rahul missed the first couple of IPL matches for Delhi Capitals to be with his family during this special time but soon returned to his cricketing duties. In a recent interview with Times of India, Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani spoke in detail about Rahul’s dedication to his country.
Badani revealed that when he met KL, they discussed both the newborn and the upcoming England tour. Rahul made his priorities clear, stating, “Country first, Hemang bhai. I care for this team.”
Rahul Lives Up to His Words with Rare Gesture
After Delhi Capitals were eliminated early from IPL 2025, Rahul chose not to spend extra time at home with his family. Instead, he departed early for England to prepare for the ongoing series.
Rahul featured in the second unofficial Test for India A against the English Lions, where he ended his century drought by scoring 137 runs off 247 balls, including 18 fours. This bold move—being away from his child for an extended period—proved beneficial as he rediscovered his form ahead of the main series.
"Let's not forget, he's a young father, and I don't think his child is travelling with him initially. So for him to say, `Country over my child' - that's a huge call. He could've easily said, `I'm not playing the side game anyway, I'll just go straight to the Test match.' But he didn't," he added.
Further, during the ongoing tour, Rahul is not accompanied by his wife and child due to the BCCI’s new policies regarding family travel with players.
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