Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra reckons that the “batter-captain conflict” will be the biggest challenge for Ajinkya Rahane in IPL 2025. The Mumbai batter succeeded Shreyas Iyer as the captain for the new season after the latter was released ahead of the mega auction. KKR will kick-start their campaign by taking on RCB in the tournament opener on March 22.
What will Rahane’s biggest challenge in KKR be?
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Chopra opined that Rahane had only one way to prove himself and that was by batting in the top-order. He said that the veteran batting anywhere below the number 3 position would not allow him to contribute significantly to KKR.
“KKR’s biggest challenge this season is the ‘captain-batter’ conflict that Rahane will face. For Rahane the batter, the best thing to do is open at Eden Gardens. Or else, bat at No. 3. Anything lower kills his chance to contribute significantly because he needs the powerplay,” Chopra said.
Further, Chopra said that Narine will not be demoted from the role of an opener as he had scored runs in IPL 2024. He said that it was best for Rahane to occupy Venkatesh Iyer’s position at number three. He warned that batting down the order would mean the veteran will have to forego his ambitions as batter.
“That is the conflict. Sunil Narine will open and he will open with Quinton de Kock if he is in the team. Now will they tell Narine not to open after the runs he scored last season? Of course, he will open. So, No. 3, which is ideally the position for Venkatesh Iyer, is the best you can do for Rahane. Or else he will have to forgo his own ambitions as a batter,” Chopra added.
KKR managed to lay their hands on a steal deal, bagging Rahane for his base price of Rs 1.50 cr at the mega auction.
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