Kunal Singh Rathore is a young Indian wicketkeeper-batter who represents Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. Though his IPL exposure so far has been limited, Rathore has already made headlines as the first cricketer from Kota, Rajasthan, to earn an IPL contract.
As Rajasthan Royals continue to invest in young Indian talent, Kunal Singh Rathore enters IPL 2026 as a developing player with strong domestic credentials and long-term potential.
Kunal Singh Rathore IPL 2026 Team & Role
- IPL 2026 Team: Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter
- Batting Style: Left-handed
- Nationality: India
- IPL Debut: 2025
- Rajasthan Royals view Rathore as a future wicketkeeping option, grooming him within the squad while giving him exposure to the IPL environment.
Kunal Singh Rathore IPL 2026 Price
IPL Auction & Contract Details
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ₹30 Lakh | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2026 | ₹30 Lakh (Continuing Value) | Rajasthan Royals |
Kunal Singh Rathore remains with RR at the same price for IPL 2026, indicating a development-focused investment rather than immediate match expectations.
Kunal Singh Rathore IPL Career Overview
Kunal Rathore made his IPL debut in 2025 and has played one match so far.
IPL Career Batting Stats
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
While the numbers are modest, one match is far too small a sample to judge his true ability.
Read Also:- Who Owns Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2026?
Kunal Singh Rathore IPL Match Performance
IPL 2025 Appearance
| Opponent | Runs (Balls) |
|---|---|
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 0 (5) |
His debut match was a learning experience rather than a performance-defining outing.
Strong Domestic & First-Class Background
Kunal Singh Rathore’s rise is built on consistent domestic cricket performances:
- First IPL player from Kota, Rajasthan
- Top scorer in the Colvin Shield tournament
- Regular wicketkeeper-batter for Rajasthan in domestic cricket
- Scored a 156-run first-class century in the Ranji Trophy
- Known for aggressive batting and strong temperament
He initially began his cricket journey as a bowler before switching to wicketkeeping, which helped shape his all-round understanding of the game.
Playing Style & Strengths
- Left-handed batting adds variety
- Wicketkeeper-batter role increases squad balance
- Comfortable playing long innings
- Calm mindset under pressure
- Familiar with Rajasthan Royals’ setup
Rathore’s domestic performances show that he is more than just a backup option.
Fielding & Bowling Contribution
Fielding
| Matches | Catches | Stumpings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling
Kunal Singh Rathore has not bowled in IPL matches so far and is used purely as a wicketkeeper-batter.
Rajasthan Royals’ Plan for Kunal Singh Rathore in IPL 2026
- Backup wicketkeeper option
- Long-term Indian talent development
- Gradual exposure to high-level cricket
- Focus on training and squad integration
RR’s approach with Rathore is about patience and growth, not instant results.
Records & Notable Achievements
- First IPL cricketer from Kota, Rajasthan
- Ranji Trophy century (156 runs)
- Regular performer in Rajasthan domestic teams
- Earned IPL contract with his favourite franchise
Final Verdict
Kunal Singh Rathore enters IPL 2026 as a young, developing wicketkeeper-batter with strong domestic credentials and plenty of room to grow. While his IPL career is still in its early phase, Rajasthan Royals’ continued backing shows confidence in his long-term potential.
If given opportunities in the future, Rathore has the skills to convert domestic success into IPL impact.
