In a surprising move, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are reportedly set to appoint Ajinkya Rahane as their captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), sidelining all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer despite initial speculation of his leadership candidacy.
Rahane Emerges as Captaincy Front-Runner
According to a report by The Times of India, Rahane, Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy captain and a seasoned campaigner, is almost certain to take the reins at KKR. The franchise secured the 36-year-old at his base price of INR 1.5 crore during the IPL mega auction in Jeddah.
A source familiar with the development revealed, “Yes, at the moment, it’s 90% confirmed that Ajinkya will be the new KKR captain. He was specifically picked to fulfill this role.”
Rahane’s leadership credentials include his memorable stint as India’s Test captain during the historic 2020-21 series win in Australia and his past experience leading Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2018 and 2019.
Venkatesh Iyer’s Leadership Aspirations Dashed
This decision comes as a shock after Venkatesh Iyer appeared to be a frontrunner for the captaincy. The all-rounder, who was re-acquired by KKR for a staggering INR 23.75 crore, had expressed his eagerness to lead the team in IPL 2025.
Following his re-signing, Iyer stated, “Captaincy is more than just a title; it’s about fostering a team environment where everyone feels valued. If entrusted with the responsibility, I’d be honored to take it on.”
Iyer’s familiarity with the team, having spent four years with KKR and worked closely with head coach Chandrakant Pandit during their time with Madhya Pradesh, made him a strong contender. Additionally, he had previously captained KKR in Nitish Rana’s absence and served as vice-captain.
Rahane’s IPL Leadership Record
Rahane brings a wealth of leadership experience to the table, although his IPL captaincy record with Rajasthan Royals was underwhelming, with just nine wins in 24 matches. However, his track record with Mumbai’s domestic T20 team, where he led the side to 19 wins in 26 games, showcases his strategic acumen.
If officially confirmed as KKR’s captain, Rahane will replace Shreyas Iyer, creating an intriguing leadership shift within the franchise.
KKR’s New Chapter
As KKR looks ahead to the 2025 IPL season, the decision to entrust Rahane with the captaincy reflects the franchise’s faith in his calm demeanor, tactical approach, and vast experience. For Venkatesh Iyer, the snub may come as a setback, but his contributions will remain pivotal to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
