Kunal Singh Rathore: From Kota Streets to IPL Dreams—A Debut That Hit Home
- A Debut Beyond the Scoreboard
You know how certain sports moments hit you differently? Like, they stay with you—not because of stats or records, but because they feel personal?
That’s exactly what happened on May 4, 2025, when Kunal Singh Rathore—a 22-year-old left-handed wicketkeeper-batter from Kota, Rajasthan—walked onto the field wearing the Rajasthan Royals jersey for the very first time.
Now, before you ask, “Who’s this guy?”—let me tell you, his story is a whole vibe.
- Wait, Someone From Kota Made It to the IPL?
Yup, and that’s a huge deal. Kota is famous for its coaching institutes and IIT dreams. Cricket? Not so much. So when Kunal made his debut, he wasn’t just playing for himself—he was representing every kid in Kota who ever dared to dream differently.
I remember scrolling through my feed and spotting a picture of him with a bleeding hand (we’ll get to that in a sec), and it just hit me—this guy bled for his debut. Literally.
- Quick Facts About Kunal Singh Rathore
• Age: 22
• Playing Role: Wicketkeeper-batter
• Batting Style: Left-handed
• IPL 2025 Price Tag: ₹30 lakhs
• Domestic Debut: 2022 (Rajasthan team)
• Notable Match: RR vs KKR, May 4, 2025 (IPL debut)
- The Journey: More Grit Than Glamour
Kunal’s cricketing journey didn’t start in flashy academies or with viral YouTube clips. It started on the streets of Kota when he was just 8. No silver spoon, no early fame—just raw talent and a dream that wouldn’t quit.
Here’s the thing—he even missed out on the U19 World Cup due to passport issues. Can you imagine the heartbreak? But instead of sulking, he doubled down on his grind, made his domestic debut in 2022, and quietly climbed the ranks.
By 2023, he had caught the Royals’ eye. They kept him in the squad, watched him, mentored him—and finally gave him his moment in IPL 2025.
- The Debut: A Mix of Glory and Grit
So, what happened on debut night against KKR at Eden Gardens?
• Bleeding Hand: While fielding, he injured his hand badly. Blood. Tape. Pain. But the dude didn’t quit.
• Came Back to Bat: Bandaged up, he returned. Sure, he got out for a duck—but honestly, the courage spoke louder than the scoreboard.
It was one of those moments where you realize: This guy’s got heart.
- More Than Just Another Debut
Let’s be real. Not every debut ends in fireworks or match-winning sixes. But some—like Kunal Singh Rathore’s—leave a deeper impact.
His journey isn’t just a cricket stat; it’s a masterclass in perseverance, a love letter to every overlooked dreamer, and a gentle reminder that sometimes, just showing up is the win.
