IPL defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will be led by a new captain next season after they released Shreyas Iyer.
In what will be a remarkable turnaround, veteran India cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has emerged the top candidate to lead Kolkata Knight Riders’ title defense in IPL 2025. Rahane was released by Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction before being bought by KKR at his base price of Rs 1.5 crore.
Rahane, who has fallen out of favour with India selectors, was recently replaced as the captain of Mumbai for the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well.
According to The Times of India, three-time IPL champions KKR “specifically” bought Rahane at the two-day auction in Jeddah for him being a “viable captaincy” option.
“Yes, at the moment it’s 90% confirmed that Ajinkya will be the new KKR captain. He was bought by KKR specifically for the purpose of being a viable captaincy option,” a source was quoted as saying by the publication.
Rahane has captained Rajasthan Royals in the past and has represented various IPL franchises including Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Rising Pune Supergiant (now defunct) and CSK.
This will be Rahane’s second stint with KKR having earlier been roped in by the franchise for IPL 2022. He was let go of after a lackluster season during which he managed 133 runs in seven games at a strike-rate of 103.91.
Rahane then went to CSK for IPL 2023 where he seemed to have recaptured his old form. In 14 matches, he scored 326 runs at a strike-rate of 172.49 as CSK became champions for a record-equaling fifth time. IPL 2024 was below par for Rahane as a player as he scored 242 runs at a strike-rate of 123.47 with CSK also failing to qualify for the playoffs.
KKR won IPL 2024 under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer who was then bought by Punjab Kings for an eyepopping Rs 26.75 crore at the auction last month.
There are also speculations that Venkatesh Iyer, whom KKR bought for a record Rs 23.75 crore, is also among the captaincy candidates. However, the franchise is yet to commit anything officially.
