In a surprising development, seasoned Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane is poised to captain the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. This decision comes after KKR acquired Ajinkya Rahane for his base price of ₹1.5 crore during the IPL mega auction in Jeddah. The move marks a potential turning point for the veteran, who has been striving to regain prominence in the cricketing world.
As reported by a leading daily, KKR specifically targeted Rahane during the auction for his leadership potential. “Yes, at the moment it’s 90% confirmed that Ajinkya will be the new KKR captain,” an unnamed source revealed.
Rahane has extensive captaincy experience, having led franchises such as Rajasthan Royals and represented numerous IPL teams, including Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
- Previous Stint with KKR: Rahane’s first association with KKR came in IPL 2022, where he struggled, scoring just 133 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 103.91.
- Resurgence at CSK: Rahane rediscovered his form during IPL 2023 with CSK, scoring 326 runs at a stellar strike rate of 172.49, playing a pivotal role in their title-winning campaign.
- IPL 2024 Performance: The following season saw a dip in his form, as he scored 242 runs at a strike rate of 123.47, with CSK failing to qualify for the playoffs.
Rahane’s cricketing career has seen recent ups and downs. He was removed as Mumbai’s captain for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, further highlighting his dwindling fortunes in domestic cricket. However, his leadership experience and ability to anchor innings make him an attractive choice for KKR.
For Rahane, leading KKR in IPL 2025 could be a golden opportunity to prove his mettle both as a player and a leader. With a core of young and experienced players, his tactical acumen might help KKR aim for their fourth IPL title.
What do you think in this regard?
