Ajinkya Rahane set to lead KKR; Venkatesh Iyer named vice-captain
What's the story
In a major development, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have named Ajinkya Rahane as their captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The Knight Riders earlier announced that a new skipper will be named on March 3.
The 2025 IPL auction saw KKR spend a total of ₹1.5 crore for Rahane.
Notably, Venkatesh Iyer has been named the vice-captain.
Campaign
KKR won IPL 2024 after beating SRH
KKR were crowned champions of IPL 2024. Led by Shreyas Iyer, KKR thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final in Chennai on May 26.
This was their third IPL title after winning in 2012 and 2014. Notably, the 2024 season marked KKR's reunion with former skipper Gautam Gambhir.
Shreyas, who was later released, became the first-ever player to lead multiple sides to IPL finals.
Twitter Post
A look at official announcement
🚨 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
Captaincy
Rahane brings wealth of experience
Rahane's leadership role at KKR would be a major turnaround in his cricketing career.
He was recently replaced as Mumbai's captain for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Trophy by Shreyas, who has been in prime form.
Nevertheless, Rahane has plenty of experience leading teams at different levels, including captaining the Indian Test team in Australia (2020/21) to a historic series win.
Choice
Rahane's leadership role
The appointment of Rahane as KKR's captain has taken many by surprise.
This is because the franchise, owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, was earlier expected to appoint all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer as their leader.
Iyer was bought by KKR for a whopping ₹23.75 crore at the recent IPL auction, making this change in leadership plans an unexpected turn of events.
Venkatesh
Venkatesh Iyer named vice-captain
As mentioned, Venkatesh will be deputy to Rahane for the upcoming IPL season.
Venkatesh, who joined the Knight Riders in 2021, was released before last year's auction. However, he was bought back by the franchise for a hefty ₹23.75 crore this year.
Having played 50 IPL games, Venkatesh has scored 1,326 runs at 31.57. The tally includes 11 fifties and a ton.
Stats
A look at Rahane's IPL career
Rahane has represented six IPL teams so far - Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, KKR, and Chennai Super Kings.
Overall, he has bagged 4,642 runs at 30.14, including two tons and 30 fifties. In 100 matches for the Royals, Rahane bagged 2,810 runs at 34.26 (100s: 2, 50s: 17).
He has also led in 25 IPL games (nine wins).
Statement
KKR CEO on Rahane's appointment
KKR's CEO Venky Mysore hailed Rahane, stating, "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," he added.