IPL 2025: Not Venkatesh Iyer! Ajinkya Rahane set to lead KKR? Venky Mysore breaks silence

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are gearing up for the next season after building a strong squad at the recently concluded IPL 2025 mega auction, but one of their biggest decisions—choosing a new captain—is still pending, as they let go of their title-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) snapped up Shreyas Iyer for a hefty 26.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. So, now speculation is rife about Ajinkya Rahane stepping into the leadership role.

Ajinkya Rahane could captain Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 as speculations grow after mega auction

The former Indian Test captain was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at his base price of INR 1.5 crore at the auction. Ajinkya Rahane previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2022 and had a modest stint, scoring 133 runs across seven matches at an average of 19 and a strike rate of 103.90.

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Ajinkya Rahane has now reportedly emerged as the frontrunner to lead the Men in Purple and Gold in the IPL 2025. It is being said that Ajinkya Rahane’s extensive experience and calm demeanor could make him an ideal candidate to lead the defending champions in the next season.

However, KKR’s team management is taking a calculated approach before making a final decision on the captaincy. The Kolkata Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore discussed the possibility of Ajinkya Rahane taking over as the team's new captain.

I'm sure a proper decision will be made: Venky Mysore

Venky Mysore said that the franchise’s leadership group would carefully evaluate all aspects before making a final decision. Mysore was confident that the team management and stakeholders would make the right decision when it comes to captaincy.

Venky Mysore was quoted as saying by Star Sports: “Well, you know that. To be honest, we have to sit down and take stock. Sometimes what happens is, after you've done all of these things, you just have to sit down, reflect, and look at the whole thing. There are stakeholders, and parts of the think tank won't be here. So, we'll all sit down and have a proper chat about that, and I'm sure a proper decision will be made.”

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Meanwhile, the IPL 2025 auction saw KKR execute a well-crafted strategy to strengthen their squad. The team made headlines by securing Venkatesh Iyer for a staggering INR 23.75 crore after an intense bidding war with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

I am extremely happy our squad: Venky Mysore

The Kolkata franchise also armored their pace attack by signing high-profile players like Spencer Johnson, Anrich Nortje, Umran Malik, and Vaibhav Arora. Additionally, they also snapped up Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Quinton de Kock, Rovman Powell, and Moeen Ali at the auction.

Furthermore, Venky Mysore expressed his happiness with the auction process. He praised the team's efforts in sticking to their plan, which he believes was key to their success. Mysore also felt satisfied with how they built the squad and addressed all their requirements effectively at the mega auction.

Venky Mysore signed off by saying, “I think auctions are always up and down and nerve-wracking. But I think the whole team did an amazing job of sticking to the plan. That's the trick, I always feel. But in the end, the way we completed the squad and checked all the boxes that we wanted to, I am extremely happy.”

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