Kolkata : As per multiple reports, former Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane is set to lead 3 times IPL Champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025.
KKR bagged Rahane for 1.5 Cr in IPL 2025 Mega Auction.
They left out their 2024 IPL winning skipper Shreyas Iyer from the squad. As a result of which, KKR are left with no proper captaincy options. Where at first, it suggested that Venkatesh Iyer might lead the side after KKR brought him for 23.75 Cr, fresh reports claim that veteran Ajinkya Rahane might be the Purple Army’s captain in IPL 2025.
“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 told TOI.
Rahane’s captaincy stint in India is known for his famous Border Gavaskar Trophy 2021-22 triumph in Australian soil with an Indian team that didn’t feature main players.
He made his IPL captaincy debut for now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant in IPL 2017. Rahane led Rajasthan Royals in 2018 and 2019 seasons. Despite qualifying in 2018 playoffs, in 24 games, RR won just 9 as they failed to make it to the playoffs in 2019.
The 36 years old also guided Mumbai to Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup wins last season, but was removed from Mumbai captaincy in ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Having previously played for KKR in 2022, Rahane also has idea of ins and outs of the team. A leader like him can serve the best in the team.
