Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced Ajinkya Rahane as their new captain. While Rs 23.75 crore recruit Venkatesh Iyer had expressed his desire to take the leadership role, the KKR management has backed veteran Rahane to do the job in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. However, Iyer will be groomed for the captaincy role as he has been named as vice-captain of the side.
“It’s an honour to be asked to lead KKR, which has been one of the most successful franchises in the IPL. I think we have an excellent and balanced squad. I look forward to working with everyone and taking up the challenge of defending our title," Rahane said as he was appointed captain by the three-time IPL-winning franchise.
“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," KKR CEO Venky Mysore said in a statement.
Rahane's captaincy record
Rahane was roped in for his base price of Rs 1.5 crore by the franchise in the IPL 2025 mega auction. This is not the first time Rahane has led in his IPL career. From IPL 2018 to 2019, he led Rajasthan Royals (RR). Under his captaincy, RR won nine out of 24 games and could not make it to the playoffs.
Rahane has led India in six Tests, three ODIs and two T20Is. Rahane has led India to victory on Australia soil in Border-Gavaskar Trophy including the iconic Gabba win after the Adelaide debacle. He recently led Mumbai in Ranji Trophy 2024-25. He has captained Mumbai's One-Day and T20 team as well.
Rahane's KKR captaincy debut
Rahane will lead KKR for the first time in IPL 2025 opener against Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on March 22.
Rahane's IPL career
Rahane made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the inaugural season. he moved to RR in IPL 2011. He scored 560 runs from 16 innings at an average of 40, including one century and three fifties in IPL 2012. The next time, he crossed the 500-run mark in a season was in IPL 2015. He played two seasons for now-defunct Rising Pune Super Giants (RPSG). After two unsuccessful season as captain at RR, he was picked by Delhi Capitals (RR) where he was not a regular. He played for KKR in IPL 2022 before a hamstring injury ruled him out of the tournament. IPL 2023, he helped Chennai Super Kings (CSK) win their fifth title. He was released ahead of the auction by CSK and KKR roped him in.
