Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have named Ajinkya Rahane as the skipper for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Rahane replaces Shreyas Iyer as the skipper of KKR. The captaincy candidate of KKR was the toss-up between Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer. However, the franchise eventfully decided to go with the former due to his vast amount of captaincy experience. Venkatesh will remain Rahane's deputy.
Previously, Rahane has led Rajasthan Royals (RR), and the veteran batter is also the captain of Mumbai in the domestic circuit. The former India captain was picked up by KKR in accelerated bidding in the IPL 2025 mega auction at a base price of 1.50 crore. KKR entered the mega auction without retaining their IPL 2024 title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer.
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading...
"It’s an honor to be asked to lead KKR, which has been one of the most successful franchises in the IPL. I think we have an excellent and balanced squad. I look forward to working with everyone and taking up the challenge of defending our title," Ajinkya Rahane said after being named as the skipper in a KKR release.
While Rahane's captaincy record does not paint a bright picture, as he has won just nine games out of the 25 games he captained for RR and Rising Pune Supergiant, however his calm demeanor and mentorship to young players will benefit KKR largely. The 35-year-old also has been in a rich vein of form of late in the domestic circuit.
The right-hand batter was the leading run-scorer for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with 469 runs to his name in just nine innings at an average of 58.62. Rahane was also instrumental in leading Mumbai to the semis of the Ranji Trophy.
Also Read: KKR Launch 3-Star Jersey Ahead of IPL 2025
KKR CEO Venky Mysore lavishes huge praise on Ajinkya Rahane
KKR CEO Venky Mysore is excited to have Rahane as the captain of the franchise. Mysore opines that Rahane's huge amount of captaincy experience and strong character will stand the team in good stead ahead of the IPL 2025 season.
"We are delighted to have someone like Ajinkya Rahane, who brings his experience and maturity as a leader. Also, Venkatesh Iyer has been a franchise player for KKR and brings a lot of leadership qualities. We are confident that they will combine well as we start the defense of our title," Mysore said.
