NEW DELHI: Indian cricket star KL Rahul and his wife, actress Athiya Shetty, welcomed their first child—a baby girl—on Monday, adding a new chapter to their family journey.
The proud mother shared the delightful news with fans through her Instagram account, simply stating, “Blessed with a baby girl.” The announcement immediately sparked an outpouring of congratulations from fans, fellow cricketers, and celebrities from the entertainment industry.
The joyous family occasion coincided with what was supposed to be Rahul’s debut match for his new IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals, who faced Lucknow Super Giants at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Monday. Fans eagerly anticipating his first appearance in DC colors were left disappointed when he was absent from the playing XI.
While Delhi Capitals’ captain Axar Patel did not specifically address Rahul’s absence during the pre-match toss, team management later confirmed that the 31-year-old batsman had been granted special permission to miss the fixture. Sources close to the team revealed that Rahul rushed back to Mumbai on Sunday night after learning his wife was in labor, prioritizing this significant personal milestone.
Rahul, who joined Delhi Capitals following a high-profile transfer from Lucknow Super Giants during the off-season, has been a consistent performer in the IPL, amassing over 4,000 runs in the tournament since his debut in 2013. His leadership experience and batting prowess make him a valuable addition to the Delhi franchise.
The wicketkeeper-batsman is expected to rejoin the Delhi Capitals squad ahead of their second game against Sunrisers Hyderabad scheduled for March 30. His integration into the lineup will be crucial for Delhi’s campaign this season, particularly given their strategy to strengthen their top-order batting.
This personal milestone for Rahul comes during a period where he has been working to cement his place back in India’s Test setup, having recently performed admirably in the home series against England.
The cricketing community continues to send their well-wishes to the new parents as they embrace parenthood while Rahul prepares to balance his professional commitments with his expanded family responsibilities.