KL Rahul is as much an athlete as he is an aesthete, and his impeccable personal style is the biggest testament to his statement. On field, he’s been delivering a dominant season with Delhi Capitals—his recent performances have been a study in power play and precision.
But off the field, KL is often spotted serving unmatched drip head-to-toe in niche streetwear and luxury labels. His fashion choices have always reflected a more fluid, intuitive rhythm as compared to his play—measured and bold. So, it comes as no surprise that KL has become the first Indian athlete to be named the global brand ambassador for the iconic Italian luxury house Paul & Shark, marking the brand’s 15th year in India. As the face of their Spring/Summer 2025 campaign, Rahul steps into a new sartorial chapter, one that is less defined by fleeting trends and more by intentional expression.
“In a world of ‘mass luxury’, we strongly believe that contamination with local culture and ambassadors will help us to better understand the different needs of the different markets and possibly tailor-made our strategies. KL Rahul will help us to better understand India evolution from different perspectives,” said Paul & Shark CEO Andrea Dini, shedding further light on the new collaboration.
In this exclusive interview, the cricketer and style savant shares his philosophy on fashion, pieces that carry emotional weight and how dressing well isn’t about perfection—but presence. He opens up about instinctual dressing, the liberation of oversized silhouettes and why quiet luxury is the only kind that matters.
In Conversation with KL Rahul
Q: How would you describe your style? Who would you say is the biggest fashion influence?
KL Rahul: For me, it is all about balancing my individuality with intention. My style is rooted in comfort with pieces that reflect who I am and at the same time make a quiet statement. While I observe fashion closely and have been influenced by several people and places, my biggest influence has been what feels right for me in the moment. I prefer my instincts more to trends.
Q. What's one risk you took with fashion that totally paid off?
KL: Wearing oversized silhouettes early on. It wasn’t as hyped back then, but I loved the relaxed confidence it brought. Eventually, it became a part of my signature look.
Q. How does Paul & Shark align with your fashion sensibilities?
KL: Paul & Shark’s attention to detail and design as a brand is impeccable. It’s all about quiet quality without being loud and that’s exactly how I like to approach fashion too.
Q. Do you find that fashion, like sport, has rituals—pieces you reach for when you need confidence or make a statement?
KL: Of course, accessories can help elevate your presence. A good perfume, watch, sunglasses, etc. along with a good outfit can really change the mood sometimes!
Q. Tell us something you've learned about yourself through fashion that cricket couldn't have taught you?
KL: That there should be no pressure to be perfect. On the field precision matters, off it... it’s more about being fluid, letting go, experimenting and being okay to evolve. Not every look has to be flawless to feel right!
Q. When you're packing for a tour, is there a non-negotiable item that always makes it into your suitcase—style-wise?
Yes, I always travel with my watch, a pair of baggy pants and of course, my favourite shark-fin baseball cap from Paul & Shark.
