Kunal Singh Rathore, a player from Kota, made his IPL debut in 2025 with Rajasthan Royals. Although his first match didn’t go well, his path from a small town to the IPL highlights his determination and promise as a future cricket star.
Kunal started loving cricket when he was just eight years old. He grew up in Kota, a city known more for studies than sports, so it was tough at first to get his parents to support his cricket dreams. He joined a local academy and kept improving his game. Even though he didn’t make it to the Rajasthan Under-14 team, he kept trying and later got selected for the Under-19 team. Sadly, due to passport problems, he couldn’t play in the 2022 U19 World Cup — a big disappointment that really tested his dedication.
Kunal Singh Rathore IPL Price
All of Kunal’s hard work and dedication paid off when Rajasthan Royals picked him for ₹30 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction. It was a proud moment for both Kunal and his hometown, Kota, as he became the city’s first-ever IPL player. His selection shows that talent can come from anywhere, not just the big cricketing cities of India.
Kunal Singh Rathore made his IPL debut on May 4, 2025, against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. Filling in for the injured Nitish Rana, he was unfortunately dismissed without scoring, caught by Andre Russell off Moeen Ali’s bowling. Although it wasn’t an ideal start, getting a chance to play at such a big stage against international stars was a valuable learning experience.
Even in that short time, Kunal stayed calm and focused. His overall domestic performance speaks for itself — with 1,238 runs, including a century and several fifties, he clearly has the talent to bounce back.
Kunal Singh Rathore’s cricket journey is just getting started. His story shows that with hard work and determination, even someone from a small town can chase big dreams. He has great talent, and Rajasthan Royals’ trust in him hints at a promising future. Though his debut wasn’t ideal, it’s just the first step. He’ll learn, improve, and come back stronger. Kunal’s journey is sure to inspire many young players from smaller cities across India. Keep watching—this is just the beginning of his exciting path in the IPL and beyond.
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