In India, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cricket</a> is like a religion, it&rsquo;s no surprise that even the names of your kids are inspired by cricketing idols. But what if the name you&rsquo;ve had all your life was the result of a mistake?
That&rsquo;s exactly what happened with Indian wicket-keeper batsman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=kl+rahul" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">KL Rahul</a>.
KL Rahul, whose full name is Kannur Lokesh Rahul, was born in 1992 in Karnataka. His father, K.N. Lokesh, is a college professor and a huge cricket fan. During the 1970s and 1980s, he was a big admirer of the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, the first Indian batsman to cross 10,000 runs in Test cricket.
When Lokesh became a father, he wanted to name his son after Gavaskar&rsquo;s child. He believed that Gavaskar&rsquo;s son was named &ldquo;Rahul.&rdquo; Out of that deep admiration, he decided to name his son Rahul.
Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-srh-redefines-the-game-pacer-mohammed-shami-cricket-sports-ipl-2025-9036715" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank"> IPL 2025: SRH redefines the game, says pacer Mohammed Shami</a>
But here&rsquo;s the twist: Gavaskar&rsquo;s son is named Rohan Gavaskar, not Rahul.
KL Rahul once shared this story in an interview, saying, &ldquo;My dad was a huge fan of Sunil Gavaskar and thought his son&rsquo;s name was Rahul. So, that&rsquo;s how I got the name. He found out later that the actual name was Rohan.&rdquo;
Despite the mix-up, the name stayed. And over the years, that mistaken identity turned into an identity that now commands respect and admiration across the cricketing world.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul went on to become one of India&rsquo;s most stylish and dependable batters. He has played in all three formats, served as vice-captain, and captained IPL teams like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=punjab+kings" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Punjab Kings</a> and Lucknow Super Giants. Known for his calm nature and strong performances, the name &ldquo;Rahul&rdquo; now carries its weight in Indian cricket.
What began as a small error is now part of Indian cricket history.

KL Rahul, whose full name is Kannur Lokesh Rahul, was born in 1992 in Karnataka. His father, K.N. Lokesh, is a college professor and a huge cricket fan. Sports Cricket

In India, where Cricket is like a religion, it’s no surprise that even the names of your kids are inspired by cricketing idols. But what if the name you’ve had all your life was the result of a mistake? That’s exactly what happened with Indian wicket-keeper batsman KL Rahul. KL Rahul, whose full name is Kannur Lokesh Rahul, was born in 1992 in Karnataka. His father, K.N. Lokesh, is a college professor and a huge cricket fan. During the 1970s and 1980s, he was a big admirer of the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, the first Indian batsman to cross 10,000 runs in Test cricket. When Lokesh became a father, he wanted to name his son after Gavaskar’s child. He believed that Gavaskar’s son was named “Rahul.” Out of that deep admiration, he decided to name his son Rahul. Also Read | IPL 2025: SRH redefines the game, says pacer Mohammed Shami But here’s the twist: Gavaskar’s son is named Rohan Gavaskar, not Rahul. KL Rahul once shared this story in an interview, saying, “My dad was a huge fan of Sunil Gavaskar and thought his son’s name was Rahul. So, that’s how I got the name. He found out later that the actual name was Rohan.” Despite the mix-up, the name stayed. And over the years, that mistaken identity turned into an identity that now commands respect and admiration across the cricketing world. Meanwhile, KL Rahul went on to become one of India’s most stylish and dependable batters. He has played in all three formats, served as vice-captain, and captained IPL teams like Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. Known for his calm nature and strong performances, the name “Rahul” now carries its weight in Indian cricket. What began as a small error is now part of Indian cricket history.

KL Rahul was never meant to be 'Rahul' — The shocking story behind his name

Rohit Sharma became the joint-most successful T20I captain, along with Afghanistan's Asghar Afghan and Indian legend MS Dhoni, after India won the third and final match versus the Afghans on Wednesday (Jan 17) in Bengaluru. Rohit now has 42 wins as T20I captain after starring in India's thrilling double Super Over win, where he slammed&nbsp;a majestic 121*.

After the Afghanistan T20Is, former cricketer Rohan Gavaskar hailed Rohit. Rohan stated,&nbsp; while speaking on Cricbuzz, that "if Rohit&nbsp;has a higher winning percentage than MS and Virat, that tells you what a good captain he is".

He said, "This is the format where your captaincy skills are really tested."

Rohit has a 75.92 win percentage in T20Is, compared to Dhoni's&nbsp;56.94 and Kohli's 60.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dravid-rues-lack-of-international-cricket-before-t20-wc-as-problem-of-plenty-for-keepers-hogs-limelight-681456">Dravid rues lack of international cricket before T20 WC as ‘problem of plenty’ for keepers hogs limelight</a>

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Rohan further&nbsp;stated on Hitman's knock, "What I really liked about this innings is that, generally you say in a T20I game now - the template is to go bang bang bang from the word go. And that is the template that is set. But both Rohit and Rinku used their cricketing intelligence at 22-4 and said no. We can get runs later on but let's just give ourselves a little bit of time."

"If we lose a wicket or two here, we'll be 70 all out. We're 90 all out. So let's give ourselves a little bit of time, we have the ability to make up for it as the innings progresses. And they did, last five overs - 100. But this is a one-off. Normally, you want your teams to play in a different template. But to have that cricketing intelligence and the skillset to adapt and adjust and change your game, to what needs to be done, that is key,"&nbsp;Gavaskar junior added.

Talking about the final T20I, India opted to bat first and were tottering at 22-4 before an impressive 190-run fifth-wicket stand between Rohit (121*) and Rinku Singh (unbeaten 69) took India to 212/4. In reply, Afghanistan rode on openers Rahmatullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran's 50 apiece before Gulbadin Naib's 55* and Mohammed Nabi's 16-ball 34* took them to 212/6. After even the first Super Over led to no result, the second Super Over saw India win to make Rohit the joint-most successful captain in the format.

Rohit-led India will play their next T20I during the forthcoming T20 World Cup&nbsp;in West Indies and USA&nbsp;in June.

Rohit Sharma became the joint-most successful T20I captain, along with Afghanistan's Asghar Afghan and Indian legend MS Dhoni, after India won the third and final match versus the Afghans on Wednesday (Jan 17) in Bengaluru.

Rohit Sharma became the joint-most successful T20I captain, along with Afghanistan's Asghar Afghan and Indian legend MS Dhoni, after India won the third and final match versus the Afghans on Wednesday (Jan 17) in Bengaluru. Rohit now has 42 wins as T20I captain after starring in India's thrilling double Super Over win, where he slammed a majestic 121*. After the Afghanistan T20Is, former cricketer Rohan Gavaskar hailed Rohit. Rohan stated, while speaking on Cricbuzz, that "if Rohit has a higher winning percentage than MS and Virat, that tells you what a good captain he is". He said, "This is the format where your captaincy skills are really tested." Rohit has a 75.92 win percentage in T20Is, compared to Dhoni's 56.94 and Kohli's 60. Also read: Dravid rues lack of international cricket before T20 WC as ‘problem of plenty’ for keepers hogs limelight × Rohan further stated on Hitman's knock, "What I really liked about this innings is that, generally you say in a T20I game now - the template is to go bang bang bang from the word go. And that is the template that is set. But both Rohit and Rinku used their cricketing intelligence at 22-4 and said no. We can get runs later on but let's just give ourselves a little bit of time." "If we lose a wicket or two here, we'll be 70 all out. We're 90 all out. So let's give ourselves a little bit of time, we have the ability to make up for it as the innings progresses. And they did, last five overs - 100. But this is a one-off. Normally, you want your teams to play in a different template. But to have that cricketing intelligence and the skillset to adapt and adjust and change your game, to what needs to be done, that is key," Gavaskar junior added. Talking about the final T20I, India opted to bat first and were tottering at 22-4 before an impressive 190-run fifth-wicket stand between Rohit (121*) and Rinku Singh (unbeaten 69) took India to 212/4. In reply, Afghanistan rode on openers Rahmatullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran's 50 apiece before Gulbadin Naib's 55* and Mohammed Nabi's 16-ball 34* took them to 212/6. After even the first Super Over led to no result, the second Super Over saw India win to make Rohit the joint-most successful captain in the format. Rohit-led India will play their next T20I during the forthcoming T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA in June.

Ind vs Afg: 'If he has higher win percentage than Dhoni & Kohli, then...' - Gavaskar hails captain Rohit

India ended their Asia Cup campaign on a disappointing note by failing to make it to the final. They were tournament-favourites prior to the multi-nation event but failed to get past the Super Four round after defeats at the hands of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, respectively. While Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. fell flat in pressure situations to bow out, the national side would be pleased seeing Virat Kohli return to form in the continental tournament, held in the UAE.

Kohli entered the multi-nation tournament with a strong of poor performances in the England tour before opting for a break in the West Indies tour, followed by skipping a second-stringed India's trip to Zimbabwe in mid-August. In the Asia Cup, the 33-year-old ended with second-most runs in the tournament, slamming 276 runs in five outings, and also ended his century drought to announce his return to form in style. His good returns will surely keep the team management in good stead ahead of the T20 World Cup -- in Australia from October-November -- and hope for him to continue in a similar manner.

It is to be noted that Kohli's 71st international ton came when he opened the Indian innings, in Rohit's absence, during the Men in Blue's inconsequential Super Four clash versus Afghanistan in Dubai. Thus, former Indian batter Rohan Gavaskar feels the right-hander should continue to open in the shortest format.

“Look, in terms of should Virat be opening, I think it’s a great option. You look at his T20 numbers, they are outstanding. He averages about 55-57 and his strike rate is about 160. Those are phenomenal numbers. His last innings, again unbeaten innings of 122, tells you that he probably relishes opening as well,” Gavaskar said while interacting&nbsp;with Sports18.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shouldnt-reach-stage-where-shahid-afridis-advice-for-virat-kohli-on-international-retirement-515768">'Shouldn't reach stage where....': Shahid Afridi's advice for Virat Kohli on international retirement</a>

"If memory serves me right, he wanted to open or he said he wanted to open in the Indian T20 league in this edition or the last edition, he said that’s the spot I want to be. So, it’s obviously something that he wants to do. So, it’s definitely a big option for the Indian team,” the former left-handed batsman added.

It will be interesting to see if Rohit-Rahul Dravid-led Indian team will opt to change the opening pair and promote Kohli up the order. Incase that happens, it will be intriguing to see where they slot white-ball vice-captain KL Rahul going ahead in the shortest format of the game.

India ended their Asia Cup campaign on a disappointing note by failing to make it to the final. They were tournament-favourites prior to the multi-nation event but failed to get past the Super Four round after defeats at the hands of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, respectively.

India ended their Asia Cup campaign on a disappointing note by failing to make it to the final. They were tournament-favourites prior to the multi-nation event but failed to get past the Super Four round after defeats at the hands of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, respectively. While Rohit Sharma & Co. fell flat in pressure situations to bow out, the national side would be pleased seeing Virat Kohli return to form in the continental tournament, held in the UAE. Kohli entered the multi-nation tournament with a strong of poor performances in the England tour before opting for a break in the West Indies tour, followed by skipping a second-stringed India's trip to Zimbabwe in mid-August. In the Asia Cup, the 33-year-old ended with second-most runs in the tournament, slamming 276 runs in five outings, and also ended his century drought to announce his return to form in style. His good returns will surely keep the team management in good stead ahead of the T20 World Cup -- in Australia from October-November -- and hope for him to continue in a similar manner. It is to be noted that Kohli's 71st international ton came when he opened the Indian innings, in Rohit's absence, during the Men in Blue's inconsequential Super Four clash versus Afghanistan in Dubai. Thus, former Indian batter Rohan Gavaskar feels the right-hander should continue to open in the shortest format. “Look, in terms of should Virat be opening, I think it’s a great option. You look at his T20 numbers, they are outstanding. He averages about 55-57 and his strike rate is about 160. Those are phenomenal numbers. His last innings, again unbeaten innings of 122, tells you that he probably relishes opening as well,” Gavaskar said while interacting with Sports18. ALSO READ | 'Shouldn't reach stage where....': Shahid Afridi's advice for Virat Kohli on international retirement "If memory serves me right, he wanted to open or he said he wanted to open in the Indian T20 league in this edition or the last edition, he said that’s the spot I want to be. So, it’s obviously something that he wants to do. So, it’s definitely a big option for the Indian team,” the former left-handed batsman added. It will be interesting to see if Rohit-Rahul Dravid-led Indian team will opt to change the opening pair and promote Kohli up the order. Incase that happens, it will be intriguing to see where they slot white-ball vice-captain KL Rahul going ahead in the shortest format of the game.

'A big option for Team India' - Rohan Gavaskar shares Virat Kohli's ideal batting spot ahead of T20 World Cup

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KL Rahul was never meant to be 'Rahul' — The shocking story behind his name

Ind vs Afg: 'If he has higher win percentage than Dhoni & Kohli, then...' - Gavaskar hails captain Rohit

'A big option for Team India' - Rohan Gavaskar shares Virat Kohli's ideal batting spot ahead of T20 World Cup