IPL 2025: Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders have named Ajinkya Rahane as their new captain on Monday, March 3. Rahane takes over from Shreyas Iyer, who left the team before the IPL 2025 auction. Venkatesh Iyer, who was a big buy for KKR in the auction, will be Rahane’s deputy for the upcoming season.
Ajinkya Rahane Appointed KKR Captain for IPL 2025
For the unversed, Rahane is returning to KKR after two years with CSK, where he improved his T20 game and made a comeback to the Indian team. He played 7 matches for KKR in the 2022 season and scored 133 runs.
The Mumbai player has experience as a captain in the IPL, having led Rajasthan Royals in 2018 and 2019. He is also the captain of Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy and was India’s vice-captain under Virat Kohli.
Rahane was in excellent form during the SMAT T20s, finishing as the top run-scorer with 469 runs in eight innings. He averaged 58.62 and had an impressive strike rate of 164.56, including five half-centuries.
On the other hand, Venkatesh Iyer was released ahead of the mega auction but attracted a huge bid of Rs 23.75 crore from KKR, making him the third-most expensive Indian player in the IPL.
Ajinkya Rahane Expresses Honor to Lead KKR
Meanwhile, speaking about his new role as KKR’s captain, Ajinkya 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,” said Rahane.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore on Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer’s Leadership
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.”
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