Udaipur, March 24, 2025: India and Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul became a father on Monday. His wife, Athiya Shetty, gave birth to a baby girl. Rahul and Athiya shared this joyful news through a social media post. KL Rahul is not playing in the IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam as he returned home just before the game.

KL Rahul Returns Home

KL Rahul, who joined the Delhi Capitals for the first time this season, could not play in the team's opening match against Lucknow Super Giants. Rahul returned home citing personal reasons. Interestingly, the news of him becoming a father surfaced during the match.

Rahul Practiced but Missed the Match

Rahul practised with the team until Saturday evening but left on Sunday to return home. Until last season, Rahul was captaining the Lucknow Super Giants, but this year he will don the Delhi Capitals jersey. However, fans will have to wait to see him in action for Delhi as he missed the first match held in Visakhapatnam.

Rahul and Athiya Welcome Their First Child

KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty got married on January 23, 2023, after dating for three years. The couple became parents to a baby girl just a year after their marriage. They had shared the news of expecting their first child in November 2024. The announcement of the baby’s arrival has brought a wave of congratulations on social media.

Fans Congratulate the Couple

Fans have flooded social media with congratulatory messages for the couple. One fan commented, “KL Rahul bhai and Athiya Shetty bhabhi, many congratulations to both of you.” Another wrote, “Congratulations. You have received the goddess's blessing. Spend time with your family, these are precious moments. We will wait for you to return to the field.”

Rahul’s Champions Trophy Heroics

KL Rahul was a standout performer in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 victory. Batting in the lower-middle order, he played crucial knocks and often finished games for the team.

Set to Return in Delhi’s Next Match

Despite missing the first game, KL Rahul is confirmed to be available for Delhi Capitals’ second match of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The game will take place on March 30 at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.