IPL 2025: KKR's captaincy plans shattered as Ex-cricketer blocks Ajinkya Rahane's appointment

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are in a big dilemma ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. With the schedule of the tournament being announced, the franchise is yet to finalize its captain and it has kept many wondering as well as to who will lead the team.

The need to find the new skipper for Kolkata Knight Riders came after the franchise parted ways with Shreyas Iyer after the 2024 edition. The two parties couldn't reach a conclusion based on the salary, and it led to the franchise releasing the batter.

Shreyas Iyer guided Kolkata Knight Riders to the title win in 2024

Shreyas Iyer notably guided Kolkata Knight Riders to the title win in 2024. The batter was then picked by Punjab Kings in the auction and will be leading the franchise. He was acquired by the team for the whopping amount of INR 26.75 crore.

But after Shreyas Iyer was released, the defending champions didn't go for any captaincy option in the auction. However, they have few decent options in the squad. Ajinkya Rahane emerges as a top candidate because of his experience as a captain on the international stage as well as at the domestic level.

KKR is considering either Ajinky Rahane or Venkatesh Iyer for the captaincy position in IPL 2025

Rinku Singh, who captains UP, is also there as he was one of the top retentions of the franchise. Venkatesh Iyer, who was picked by the franchise for the whopping amount of INR 23.75 crore, might also be seen as a leader by the management.

But, as per the reports in ESPNCricinfo, it is learned that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are considering either Ajinky Rahane or Venkatesh Iyer for the captaincy position in IPL 2025. The official confirmation is yet to be made, but the franchise is expected to make the decision soon.

🚨| KKR is considering either Rahane or Venkatesh Iyer for the captaincy position in IPL 2025.

- Nagraj of ESPN Cricinfo pic.twitter.com/iHddE34gHH

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) February 16, 2025

I hope Ajinkya Rahane is not the captain, I don't think he should be - Sanjay Manjrekar on captaincy option

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar was against Ajinkya Rahane leading the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2025. He feels that the franchise is the only team in the tournament that has all the bases covered and is not dependent on conditions. Speaking to Star Sports, he said:

"I hope Ajinkya Rahane is not the captain. I don't think he should be."

"KKR is the only team not dependent on conditions. They have all bases covered with batting firepower, pace, and spin!"

🗣️ Sanjay Manjrekar: I hope Ajinkya Rahane is not the captain. I don't think he should be.

- via Star Sports pic.twitter.com/6D4lOd02Uf

— Vibe (@KnightsVibe) February 16, 2025

🗣️ Sanjay Manjrekar: KKR is the only team not dependent on conditions. They have all bases covered with batting firepower, pace, and spin! pic.twitter.com/Omr6tm8ec5

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) February 16, 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the schedule of the IPL 2025. Kolkata Knight Riders will be playing the tournament opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The match will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 23rd.

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