IPL 2025: Ajinkya Rahane unveiled as KKR captain

Kolkata Knight Riders have announced Ajinkya Rahane as their captain and Venkatesh Iyer as the vice-captain ahead of 2025 edition of Indian Premier League. KKR, the defending champions, had released their title-winning skipper Shreyas Iyer ahead of the mega auction in November last year, and had a vacant spot to fill.

Rahane, who found no takers in the main round, was roped in by the franchise at his base price of INR 1.5 crore in the accelerated round at the auction, while Shreyas went to Punjab Kings. The captaincy announcement caps off a successful last few months for Rahane, as he played a critical role in Mumbai’s run to lifting the title in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a chart-topping tally of 469 runs at an average of 58.62 and a strike rate of 164.56.

Making the announcement, Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR said, “We are delighted to have someone like Ajinkya Rahane, who brings his experience and maturity as a leader. Also, Venkatesh Iyer 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 defense of our title.”

Accepting the leadership role, Rahane said, “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.”

This will be Rahane’s second stint with the Kolkata-based franchise, having represented them in 2022. Rahane would not have fond memories from the time as he could manage only 133 runs at a strike rate of 103.90 in seven matches before being released ahead of the next edition.

As a captain, Rahane has nine wins and 16 losses to show from 25 matches, having led Rising Pune Super Giant in a solitary game in 2017 and Rajasthan Royals in 24 in 2018-19.

As for Venkatesh, the seam bowling all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh bagged a whopping INR 23.75 crore deal at the November auction as KKR went all out to secure his services after being unable to retain him. The deal made Iyer the third-most expensive purchase at the auction and the fourth-most overall. Iyer was a crucial cog in KKR’s title-winning campaign last year, amassing 370 runs at a strike rate of 158.79.

🚨 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 – Ajinkya Rahane named captain of KKR. Venkatesh Iyer named Vice-Captain of KKR for TATA IPL 2025.

03:33 PM · Mar 03, 2025

KKR will begin their IPL 2025 campaign with the season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens on Saturday, March 22. KKR won the 2024 IPL after beating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the summit clash, securing their third title after 2012 and 2014.

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