Indian cricket star KL Rahul might be taking time out of cricket after the T20 World Cup but life will be anything but quiet for the opening batsman.
Having struck 51 as India beat Zimbabwe to top Group 2, Rahul is almost certain to be part of the side to face England in Thursday's semi final at the Adelaide Oval. The winner will take on either Pakistan or New Zealand in the final, with those two sides facing off 24 hours beforehand in Sydney.
But regardless of how things pan out Rahul, who has played for his country 158 times across three formats, knows what's coming next. He's reportedly due to marry his long-time partner and Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty after the World Cup, with the wedding taking place in Maharashtra.
The date of the ceremony has not been publicly released, but according to the Cricket Times , they will exchange vows at Athiya’s father Suniel Shetty’s bungalow in Khandala. The celebrity couple have been dating since 2019.
Indeed, the 30-year-old vice-captain has requested time off following the tournament down under to fulfil personal commitments. As a result, he's been left out of India's white ball squads for the tour of New Zealand later this month, with Rohit Sharma's side playing the Black Caps in three T20 and three ODI games.
Rahul, who has 14 international centuries to his name, has been a key component of India's success in the tournament, as they bid to win a first global title since winning 50-over World Cup in 2015. However, their campaign has not been without controversy, with some arguing that Bangladesh were forced back onto the field too early in what proved a group defining game last Wednesday.
Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi hit out afterwards, saying: "Given the amount of rain that happened, the [India v Bangladesh] game [still] resumed immediately after the break. It is very evident that that ICC, with India playing, there is pressure that comes with it, there are many factors involved."
Bangladesh wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan also accused Virat Kohli of 'fake fielding' during the game, arguing: "There was a fake throw. It could have been a five-run penalty. That also could have gone our way, but unfortunately, even that didn't materialise."
India and England faced off in a three match T20 series in July, with Sharma's men prevailing 2-1. The toss is likely to be a crucial factor come Thursday, with conditions thus far in the tournament favouring the side batting first.
