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In a significant announcement that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially named veteran Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane as their captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Alongside Rahane, all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer has been appointed as the vice-captain, signaling a blend of experience and youth in the leadership group as the defending champions prepare to defend their title.
“𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 – Ajinkya Rahane named captain of KKR. Venkatesh Iyer named Vice-Captain of KKR for TATA IPL 2025,” wrote KKR on X.
🚨 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 – Ajinkya Rahane named captain of KKR. Venkatesh Iyer named Vice-Captain of KKR for TATA IPL 2025. pic.twitter.com/F6RAccqkmW
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 3, 2025
A surprise choice amid high expectations
The decision to appoint Rahane, who was acquired for a modest INR 1.5 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah last year, comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts. KKR’s most expensive buy, Venkatesh, fetched a staggering INR 23.75 crore in the same auction, leading to widespread speculation that the 30-year-old all-rounder would take the reins following the departure of title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer. Shreyas, who led KKR to their third IPL title in 2024, was released ahead of the auction and subsequently snapped up by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for INR 26.75 crore. He has also been named captain of Punjab earlier in January.
Also READ: BCCI announces complete schedule of IPL 2025; final to take place in Kolkata
Strategic appointment by KKR
Rahane’s appointment, however, reflects a strategic choice by KKR’s management to prioritize experience and tactical acumen over youthful exuberance at the helm. The 36-year-old brings a wealth of leadership credentials to the table, having captained India to a historic Test series win in Australia during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and leading Mumbai to Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy triumphs in recent years. His IPL captaincy experience, albeit mixed, includes stints with Rajasthan Royals in 2018 and 2019, where he managed nine wins in 24 matches, and a brief spell with Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017.
