Defending IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have appointed veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane as their captain for the 2025 season. The decision marks a significant leadership transition for the franchise, which secured its third title in 2024 under the stewardship of Shreyas Iyer, who has since moved to Punjab Kings. In addition, Venkatesh Iyer has been named vice-captain, reinforcing a new leadership structure as KKR aims to retain the coveted trophy.

“It’s an honour to be asked to lead KKR, which has been one of the most successful franchises in the IPL,” Rahane said. “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.”

Experienced Leader Takes Charge of Title Defense

Rahane’s return to KKR was not part of the initial blueprint during the IPL mega auction in November. When his name was first listed on day one, he went unsold. However, the Knight Riders acquired him at his base price of INR 1.5 crore during the accelerated round on the second day, securing an experienced hand at a bargain.

KKR CEO Venky Mysore expressed confidence in the new leadership duo. “We are delighted to have someone like Ajinkya Rahane, who brings his experience and maturity as a leader,” he stated. “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.”

Rahane’s Evolution in T20 Cricket

Rahane’s journey in the IPL has been one of resilience. His first stint with KKR in 2022 was underwhelming, as he managed just 133 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 103.90. However, a move to Chennai Super Kings in 2023 reignited his T20 form. Under MS Dhoni’s guidance, he accumulated 326 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 172.48, showcasing a more aggressive approach. The following year, he was less prolific, tallying 242 runs at a strike rate of 123.46, leading to his release from CSK.

Despite the inconsistency in the IPL, Rahane has remained a dominant force in domestic cricket. His leadership skills were on full display when he captained Mumbai to victory in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he finished as the tournament’s highest run-getter with 469 runs at a strike rate of 164.56 and an average exceeding 58.

Rahane’s Captaincy Record

Rahane is no stranger to leadership roles. He famously led India to a historic Test series triumph in Australia in 2020-21, a feat that earned him widespread acclaim. His IPL captaincy record includes 25 matches—one for Rising Pune Super Giant in 2017 and 24 for Rajasthan Royals across 2018-19. However, his tenure at Rajasthan was cut short when he was replaced mid-season by Steve Smith in 2019.

The Knight Riders will hope that Rahane’s tactical acumen, coupled with his vast experience, will help them navigate the highly competitive IPL landscape as they chase back-to-back titles.

Venkatesh Iyer’s Leadership Role

Venkatesh Iyer’s appointment as vice-captain signals KKR’s faith in his abilities. Despite not being among KKR’s six retained players ahead of the auction, the franchise spent INR 23.75 crore to reacquire him—making him the fourth most expensive buy in IPL history.

Since joining KKR in 2021, Iyer has been a key figure in their setup. His explosive batting played a vital role in last year’s title-winning campaign, where he amassed 370 runs at a strike rate of 158.79. While he had expressed readiness to lead the team in an earlier interview, he will now work closely with Rahane as KKR seeks to build on its success.

KKR’s IPL 2025 Campaign Begins at Eden Gardens

As defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders will open the IPL 2025 season against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on March 22. The home crowd will eagerly anticipate Rahane’s captaincy debut for the franchise.

With KKR’s leadership settled, the only IPL team yet to announce its captain is Delhi Capitals. Rishabh Pant, who led DC last year, has moved to Lucknow Super Giants and will captain his new franchise in the upcoming season.