In a surprising yet strategic move, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have named Ajinkya Rahane as their captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, with Venkatesh Iyer appointed as vice-captain. The announcement, made on March 3, 2025, marks a new chapter for the defending champions as they gear up to defend their title without their title winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, on the side!
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| Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo |
KKR will start the season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22 at Eden Gardens, and it is expected to be a great clash, given the rivalry between these two teams in the history of the IPL tournament.
Rahane, acquired for a modest ₹1.5 crore at the IPL 2025 mega-auction, brings a wealth of experience to the role. The 36-year-old veteran has previously led India to a historic Test series win in Australia in 2020-21 and captained the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Rising Pune Supergiant (RSPG) in the IPL.
Despite a modest IPL captaincy record, KKR’s management, led by CEO Venky Mysore, expressed confidence in Rahane’s maturity and leadership qualities. Mysore also highlighted Venkatesh Iyer’s potential, noting his franchise loyalty and leadership skills, making him a fitting deputy at ₹23.75 crore, KKR’s costliest buy.
The decision to bypass Venkatesh Iyer for the captaincy, despite his hefty price tag and readiness to lead, has sparked debate among fans. However, this pairing reflects KKR’s blend of experience and youth as they aim for a fourth IPL title. Rahane called it an honor to lead a balanced squad, setting the stage for an intriguing campaign ahead.
