10 facts you need to know about Indian cricket's next big thing KL Rahul

6. First-class debut

Rahul’s Test debut might not be one he wishes to look back on fondly, but his first taste of domestic cricket was certainly one to remember. He made his first-class debut for Karnataka as an 18-year-old in 2010 and impressed everyone right away with a knock of 61 against Punjab.

7. Rahul’s addiction to tattoos

The Karnataka batsman has the backing of his skipper Virat Kohli in his cricketing abilities and Rahul has in turn drawn inspiration from Kohli’s style statements. Rahul says he too is addicted to tattoos and is planning to extend his already impressive collection of seven tattoos on his body. He also revealed that he likes to sport different hairstyles in different seasons.

8. KL Rahul is Karnataka’s first triple-centurion in a first class match

He has been able to achieve something even his idol has failed to achieve in his long illustrious career – score a triple century for Karnataka. Rahul had his breakthrough season last year and scored a mammoth 337 for his state team against Uttar Pradesh on 30 January 2015, thus becoming the first Karnataka player to score a triple century.

His feat was later replicated by teammate Karun Nair, who scored 328 against Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy final.

9. Rahul’s a pretty sporty guy

Earlier we heard his father talk about how Rahul played other sports as well growing up. he has certainly not let go off it completely as seen from his tweets below.

Playing my 2nd most loved sport during a training session for @KarbonnKPLpic.twitter.com/Eu0z79rnui

— K L Rahul (@klrahul11)September 2, 2014

Partners on and off the field. Enjoying the partnership. Gearing up for the semifinal #awesomepartner#friendpic.twitter.com/rzFFq8wmEF

— K L Rahul (@klrahul11)March 12, 2014

10. Dale Steyn's prediction

Much before KL Rahul made his debut for India, Dale Steyn had predicted that his Sunrisers Hyderabad teammate will play for the Indian team.

"KL Rahul is, in my opinion, a man destined to play for India. He hasn't quite scored the runs he would have liked this year, but I've seen a few batsmen in my career and he is serious class," Steyn wrote for Times of India.

"I don't believe in curses or jinxes which is why I'm happy to express my opinion about him. It may not happen this year, or even next, but I expect him to play for his country under MS Dhoni at some point." Steyn opined.

11. Fun Fact! Which sports app does KL Rahul use?