KL Rahul has been one of the top cricketers in the history of the IPL. His journey has been one of steady progress where he evolved from a budding talent to one of the most valuable cricketers in the league.
He has been a part of the IPL since 2013, where he scored 4683 runs at an average of 45.5 and a strike rate of 134.6 including four centuries and 37 half-centuries. The 32-year-old Bengaluru-born cricketer has affected 6 run outs, 7 stumpings and 78 catches in his entire IPL career as a wicket-keeper.
KL Rahul IPL salary over the years
2013-2015: INR 10 lakh: KL Rahul kick-started his IPL journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2023 season where the Bengaluru-based franchise roped him for INR 10 lakh. However, he did not get many opportunities in His debut season where he made just five appearances and scored 20 runs.
He continued with the same salary for the IPL 2014 season, wherein he scored 166 runs in 11 games. Despite his below-average season. RCB stuck to KL Rahul for the 2015 season as well where he was retained for INR 10 lakh. In the nine games he played in that season, he scored 142 runs.
2016: INR 1 crore: KL Rahul’s IPL career witnessed a significant turn after he shifted his base to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2016 season. His salary increased to INR 1 crore and it was that season, that KL Rahul got more game time with the Sunrisers. He showcased his mettle with the bat, scoring 397 runs in 14 games, scoring four half-centuries and maintaining a batting average of 44.11 under a strike rate of 146.49. This season helped him gain confidence.
2017: INR 1 crore: Rahul returned to RCB with the same Rs 1 crore contract in the IPL 2017 season. Unfortunately, he was sidelined from the entire season due to injury.
2018 to 2021: INR 11 crore: His journey took a huge turn as he was signed by Kings XI Punjab for INR 11 crore in the IPL 2018 season. He delivered the goods ever so well for the franchise as he scored 659 runs in 14 games at an impeccable batting average of 54.91 and a strike rate of 158.41, including six half-centuries.
In the subsequent season, he scored 593 runs in 14 games, including one century and six fifties, and maintained a batting average of 53.90. In the IPL 2020 season, he scored 670 runs at an average of 55.83 including one century and five fifties.
He was appointed as the captain in that season. Although the team didn’t perform well, KL Rahul drew plaudits for his impeccable batting performances and remained a consistent performer for the team. In the 2021 season, he scored 626 runs in 13 games at an average of 62.60, including six half-centuries.
2022 to 2024: INR 17 crore: In the IPL 2022 season, his career reached new heights as the Lucknow Super Joints signed him for a record-breaking INR 17 crore which made him one of the highest-paid players in the history of the IPL.
Under his captaincy, Lucknow Super Giants qualified for the playoffs in the debut season and KL Rahul finished as one of the top scorers in that season where he scored 616 runs in 15 games, including two centuries and four half-centuries at an impeccable batting average of 51.33.
In the subsequent season, he was retained by the franchise for the same price. Unfortunately, he had to face ups and downs with his form and injury concerns. He scored 274 runs in nine games, including two half-centuries. Despite his disappointing performances, he was still praised for his captaincy as he guided his team to secure another playoff spot.
In the IPL 2024 season, he came under fire for his poor strike rate and his intent. However, he managed to score 520 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 136.13, including four half-centuries. As per various reports, KL Rahul is expected to be released by Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
