Suniel Shetty Opens Up About Cricket and Family Dynamics with KL Rahul

In a heartfelt discussion on the podcast 'Baatein Dil Se', Suniel Shetty opens up about his past as a sportsman and his current relationship with cricket through his son-in-law, KL Rahul. He shares his anxiety about watching live matches and reflects on the bond he feels with Rahul, whom he considers a son. Suniel also discusses the impact of IPL on cricket and his family's approach to treating in-laws as their own. This candid conversation offers a glimpse into the personal life of the veteran actor and his admiration for the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 27, 2026, 01:18 IST

Suniel Shetty's Cricket Journey and Family Ties

Suniel Shetty, known for his role in Welcome to the Jungle, reminisced about his past as a passionate sportsman during his youth. He actively participated in various sports, particularly cricket, while in school. Nowadays, the seasoned actor channels his cricket enthusiasm through his son-in-law, KL Rahul. In a recent episode of the podcast Baatein Dil Se, hosted by Navika Kumar, Suniel discussed the anxiety he feels while watching the Indian cricket team's vice-captain play live, opting instead to view match highlights.

Suniel Shetty's Reluctance to Attend Live Matches

During his conversation with Navika Kumar on Baatein Dil Se, Suniel revealed that he chose not to pursue cricket professionally due to the prevalent politics in the sport at that time. He reflected, "I might have had the talent, but the environment was challenging. The introduction of the IPL has transformed the game significantly." Despite his love for the sport, he admitted to feeling too anxious to watch Rahul play in person, saying, "I get so nervous that I avoid watching live. I prefer highlights instead. When I don’t watch, he performs better, so I’ve stopped attending matches. Otherwise, I’d be the one yelling from the stands. It’s just too stressful for me."

Suniel recounted a particular experience at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where he and his wife Mana were present. He turned to speak to her, and during that moment, Rahul was dismissed on the very first ball. Following that incident, he chose to stay seated for the remainder of the match, although he still managed to be spotted by the cameras.

Manifesting Family Connections

As he approaches his 65th birthday, Suniel shared that he refrains from giving Rahul any sporting advice. Reflecting on their connection, he mentioned, "Rahul played in Karnataka, just a few kilometers from my birthplace. I admired his style of play, influenced by legends like Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar. My family has a rich cricketing heritage, and I truly manifested his presence in our lives. Many say I brought him into our family through my thoughts."

Suniel emphasized the importance of treating family members, including in-laws like Rahul, as his own children. He expressed, "The bond between Mana and Rahul is extraordinary. I never refer to him as my son-in-law; I genuinely consider him my son." Rahul and Suniel's daughter, Athiya Shetty, tied the knot on January 23, 2023, at their family farmhouse in Khandala after a four-year relationship. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Evaarah, on March 24, 2025.