IPL 2025: Not Venkatesh Iyer! Ex-CSK star confirmed as new KKR captain
Published - 02 Dec 2024, 02:22 PM | Updated - 02 Dec 2024, 02:23 PM
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Ajinkya Rahane has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the IPL 2025. The veteran Indian batter was released by Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, and then he was acquired by KKR at his base price of INR 1.5 crore.
It is being said that the Kolkata Knight Riders bought Ajinkya Rahane specifically for his leadership capabilities as they aim to defend their IPL title next year. With significant IPL captaincy experience from his stints with Rajasthan Royals and India in Tests, Rahane is now set to lead the three-time IPL champions in the IPL 2025 next year.
Ajinkya Rahane likely to captain Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2025
However, the right-handed batter was recently replaced by Shreyas Iyer, as the captain of Mumbai for the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 after the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 campaign. Shreyas Iyer is now leading the charge of the Mumbai cricket team in the domestic arena.
Rahane is also out of the Indian cricket team, but his IPL experience, having represented various IPL teams including Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Rising Pune Supergiant (now defunct), and Chennai Super Kings, apart from captaining Rajasthan Royals, makes him a frontrunner for KKR captaincy.
'Ajinkya Rahane will be the new KKR captain'
A source was quoted as saying by Times of India: “Yes, at the moment it’s 90% confirmed that Ajinkya Rahane will be the new KKR captain. He was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders specifically for the purpose of being a viable captaincy option.”
Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane is set for his second stint with Kolkata Knight Riders after previously representing the franchise in IPL 2022. Notably, Rahne had a disappointing season with the KKR during his first stint, scoring just 133 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 103.91.
He was then released by the Kolkata-based franchise. However, Rahane's fortunes turned around when he joined Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023, where he rediscovered his form. He amassed 326 runs with an impressive strike rate of 172.49 and helped CSK to clinch the fifth IPL title.
Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh in the race for KKR's captaincy
However, Rahane’s poor performance in the IPL 2024 forced CSK to take the tough season, as he could manage only 242 runs at a strike rate of 123.47, and now he has returned to KKR, which won the IPL 2024 under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer.
However, Shreyas Iyer is all set to join Punjab Kings in the next season after being snapped up for a staggering INR 26.75 crore at the recent IPL 2025 mega auction. On the other hand, Venkatesh Iyer, acquired by KKR for a hefty INR 23.75 crore, is also being considered for the captaincy.
Apart from Iyer and Rahane, many have been speculating that Rinku Singh can also be considered for the captaincy by KKR if they look for the broader picture. However, the franchise has yet to make an official announcement regarding their new captain despite the intense speculations.
