IPL 2025: Ajinkya Rahane scripts history during KKR vs RCB clash, becomes first Indian to bag this mega milestone

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 kicked off on March 22 with an exciting opening match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The opening match of the IPL 2025 season featured a unique dynamic, with both teams fielding new captains. Rajat Patidar took the helm for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), while Ajinkya Rahane led the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In a surprising turn of events, Ajinkya Rahane defied his typically cautious batting style, cracking an aggressive 31-ball 56..

Ajinkya Rahane's captaincy in the IPL has spanned multiple franchises, marking a historic feat. He has previously led the Rajasthan Royals in 24 matches and the Rising Pune Supergiant in a single game. Now, with his captaincy of Kolkata Knight Riders, he has distinguished himself as the first Indian player to captain three different IPL franchises throughout the tournament's history.

With his upcoming appearance as captain of the Punjab Kings against the Gujarat Titans on March 25th, Shreyas Iyer will join Ajinkya Rahane in the record books. Like Rahane, Iyer will have captained three different Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. His previous captaincy roles include leading the Delhi Capitals and the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Ajinkya Rahane's captaincy of Kolkata Knight Riders adds to his previous leadership roles, making him only the fourth player in IPL history to have captained three different franchises. He joins the elite company of Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Steve Smith, who have also achieved this distinction.

Captains to lead three teams in IPL:

Kumar Sangakkara – Punjab Kings (13), Deccan Chargers (25), Sunrisers Hyderabad (9)
Mahela Jayawardene – Punjab Kings (1), Kochi Tuskers Kerala (13), Delhi Capitals (16)
Steve Smith – Pune Warriors India (1), Rising Pune Super Giants (15), Rajasthan Royals (27)
Ajinkya Rahane – Rising Pune Supergiants (1), Rajasthan Royals (24), Kolkata Knight Riders (1)