Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have named Ajinkya Rahane as their captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The veteran batter had played for KKR back in 2022 but was released after just one season. He officially returned after the Knights paid Rs 1.50 crore at the IPL 2025 auction and has now been named the KKR captain.
Ajinkya Rahane, new KKR captain
Rahane has been playing in the league since its start, has represented six teams, and played 185 matches. The veteran batters also have captaincy experience. He’s led the India cricket team across formats, Mumbai in domestic cricket, and the Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL.
But perhaps the main reason for making Rahane KKR captain was his recent performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 469 runs (the most) at 58.62 with a strike rate of 164.56. This might have reassured KKR to pick him over Venkatesh Iyer, who doesn’t have any captaincy experience whatsoever. KKR had bought Venkatesh for a whopping Rs 23.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, but they haven’t trusted him with captaincy and named him Rahane’s deputy.
“We are delighted to have someone like Ajinkya Rahane, who brings his experience and maturity as a leader. Also Venkatesh lyer has been a franchise player for KKR and brings a lot of leadership qualities. We are confident that they will combine well as we start the defence of our title,” KKR CEO Venky Mysore said in a statement.
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Ajinkya Rahane honoured to lead KKR
“It’s an honour to be asked to lead KKR, which has been one of the most successful franchises in the IPL. I think we have an excellent and balanced squad. I look forward to working with everyone and taking up the challenge of defending our title,” said new KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane.
