In the ever-evolving dance between fashion and fame, cricket has emerged as one of its most unexpected partners. And recently, that relationship just hit a new high note. KL Rahul, India’s clean-cut, confident wicket-keeper-batsman, has been named the global brand ambassador for Italian luxury label Paul & Shark.
With this move, Rahul becomes the first Indian athlete to represent the storied Italian house on an international stage. It’s a moment—and one that’s as much about cultural crossover as it is about fashion.
It's also a power move. On one end, you have an Italian label with over 45 years of pedigree—founded in 1975, loved by yacht-goers, urban explorers, and the fashionably weatherproof. On the other, KL Rahul: a man whose on-field precision mirrors his off-field poise. His fashion language has always been minimal, but never boring.
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“Beyond being an outstanding international athlete, KL Rahul is a fantastic and genuine person. He shares with us important values, such as a love for travel, sport, and adventure, as well as a deep appreciation for Italian craftsmanship and the timeless style of well-made garments, which is our DNA as well.,” says Andrea Dini, CEO of Paul & Shark. “The synergy was immediately evident.”
For Dini, who’s been visiting India for over 15 years, the partnership isn’t a market play—it’s a statement. “India is one of the key markets at the heart of our international strategy,” he adds. “We continue to follow this world with a critical and distinctive eye. We embrace new trends and flows but always remaining true to our roots. Luxury and fashion are in constant motion, and we evolve right along with them.”
The campaign also signals Paul & Shark’s intent to tap deeper into the Indian market—a space that’s seen a dramatic upswing in luxury demand over the last five years.
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For the brand, it’s a play towards relevance. For Rahul, it’s another nod to his evolving, off-field identity—clean, understated, and quietly confident.
In an exclusive chat with Esquire India, KL Rahul delves into his style evolution and his partnership with Paul & Shark.
Excerpts from a conversation.
You’ve long been known for your effortlessly clean, minimal style. Has your approach to style evolved over the years?
Fashion for me has always been about who I am and what style resonates with my personality and individuality. It takes time for one to find their own style and I’ve always been someone who believes that fashion is comfort. Currently, I’m more into relaxed fits and something that is eclectic and understated but the kind that makes a statement.
Is there a particular moment when you realised that fashion plays a much bigger role than people imagine –that it’s not just clothing but a marker of who we are as people?
It hit me during one of my first international brand shoots. Until then, I never saw fashion beyond comfort or cool factor. But I realised how much clothes can tell a story or navigate your mood, your mindset, your intent. What you wear becomes a kind of non-verbal language. That’s when I began to look at fashion differently.
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As the first Indian cricketer to represent a luxury brand like Paul & Shark globally, do you think there’s a shift in how Indian athletes are perceived in the international luxury fashion world?
Yes, there’s a definite shift. Indian athletes are no longer seen only in the context of sport. We are part of a larger cultural narrative now. This moment represents more than just a brand association; it’s about breaking new ground, showing that Indian talent has a voice in global conversations around fashion, identity, and lifestyle. For me, it’s not just personal but it’s more of a sign of how things are headed on a brighter side.
When you were first approached by Paul & Shark, was it a natural fit for you, or did you take time to reflect on how it aligned with your personal style?
It felt instinctively right. Paul & Shark’s design philosophy.. refined, functional, and rooted in heritage like I’ve mentioned definitely matches my style approach perfectly. But beyond that, I also look at the values. I believe in longevity, in quality over noise, in authenticity and that’s what I saw in them. I’ve become very mindful about what I associate with publicly. It’s not just about fashion; it’s about what the partnership says about who you are.