Ajinkya Rahane Named KKR Captain for IPL 2025, Venkatesh Iyer as Vice-Captain

Ajinkya Rahane Named KKR Captain for IPL 2025, Venkatesh Iyer as Vice-Captain

Kolkata Knight Riders Announce Leadership Change Ahead of IPL 2025

Kolkata, March 3, 2025: Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially announced Ajinkya Rahane as their captain for IPL 2025, replacing Shreyas Iyer, who was released by the franchise ahead of the auction. Venkatesh Iyer, who was KKR’s most expensive buy at the IPL 2025 mega auction for ₹23.75 crore, has been named as the vice-captain for the upcoming season.

Rahane, who rejoined KKR for ₹1.5 crore, is set to lead the team in what will be his second stint with the franchise. The experienced batter, who previously captained Rajasthan Royals in 2018 and 2019, is returning to KKR after a two-year stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he played a crucial role in their IPL 2023 title-winning campaign.

A Remarkable Comeback for Rahane

Rahane’s appointment as captain marks a remarkable turnaround in his career. Initially going unsold in the auction due to an underwhelming season with CSK in 2024, KKR secured him in the accelerated bidding round. Since then, he has experienced a resurgence in form, leading Mumbai to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 469 runs at an average of 58.62 and a blistering strike rate of 164.56.

Expressing his excitement about leading KKR, Rahane stated:
“It’s an honor to lead KKR, one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. We have a well-balanced squad, and I look forward to working with everyone as we take on the challenge of defending our title.”

Venkatesh Iyer’s Big-Money Return to KKR

One of the most significant moves in the IPL 2025 auction was Venkatesh Iyer’s return to KKR for a whopping ₹23.75 crore, making him the third most expensive buy of the season. The dynamic all-rounder, who played a key role in KKR’s 2021 IPL final run, is now set to play a leadership role alongside Rahane.

Venkatesh Iyer has been a crucial part of KKR’s middle order and provides the team with additional bowling options. With a proven ability to play match-winning innings under pressure, his appointment as vice-captain suggests that KKR is looking at him as a future leader.

Why KKR Chose Rahane as Captain

With Shreyas Iyer moving to Punjab Kings and KKR opting for a fresh approach, Rahane’s leadership qualities made him the preferred choice. His experience as a captain at the international level, where he led India to a historic Test series win in Australia in 2021, further strengthens his credentials.

Key reasons for Rahane’s appointment:

• Experience: Has captained Rajasthan Royals (2018-2019) and led India in Test cricket.

• Tactical Awareness: Known for his calm demeanor and ability to make crucial decisions under pressure.

• Recent Form: Dominated domestic cricket and contributed effectively to CSK’s IPL 2023-winning campaign.

• Balancing Stability & Aggression: Brings a mix of consistency and attacking gameplay to KKR’s leadership.

KKR’s Legacy and IPL 2025 Campaign

The Kolkata Knight Riders have established themselves as one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, with three title wins (2012, 2014, 2024). They were also runners-up in IPL 2021, showcasing their consistency in recent years.

KKR’s IPL 2025 campaign will begin with a high-voltage season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on March 22. As defending champions, they will be looking to kick off their season with a statement win.

KKR’s Squad for IPL 2025

Under Rahane’s leadership, KKR boasts a balanced squad featuring a mix of explosive batters, seasoned bowlers, and impactful all-rounders. Key players to watch out for include:

• Rinku Singh: The breakout star known for his finishing ability.

• Andre Russell: KKR’s power-hitter and match-winner with bat and ball.

• Sunil Narine: One of the best T20 bowlers, capable of turning games single-handedly.

• Shreyas Gopal & Varun Chakravarthy: Spin duo expected to play a crucial role on turning tracks.

• Phil Salt & Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Dynamic opening options to provide aggressive starts.

Final Thoughts – A New Era for KKR

With Ajinkya Rahane at the helm and Venkatesh Iyer as his deputy, KKR enters IPL 2025 with a fresh leadership combination aiming to defend their title. The franchise’s decision to place faith in Rahane’s leadership signals a strategic approach to balancing experience, stability, and aggressive intent.

As KKR gears up for the new season, the expectations are high. Fans will be eager to see how Rahane leads the team, particularly against tough opponents like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Gujarat Titans.

With the season opener against RCB just around the corner, the Knight Riders are ready to prove why they are the defending champions and why their new captain-coach combination could be the formula for sustained IPL dominance.