In a major development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially named Ajinkya Rahane as their new captain. Rahane replaces Shreyas Iyer, who led KKR to their third IPL title last season but was later released and acquired by Punjab Kings for a record-breaking INR 26.75 crore.
Adding further strength to the leadership group, KKR has also appointed Venkatesh Iyer as the vice-captain after securing him for a staggering INR 23.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction.
Ajinkya Rahane Reaction to His Captaincy Appointment
Rahane expressed his gratitude and excitement about leading one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.
“It’s an honour to be asked to lead KKR, which has been one of the most successful franchises in the IPL. I believe 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.
Rahane Career Revival and Auction Turnaround
Rahane’s appointment as KKR captain marks an extraordinary turnaround in his career. Initially, he went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction after a below-par season with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024, where he scored 242 runs in 13 innings. However, in a surprising move, KKR picked him up in the accelerated auction round for INR 1.50 crore.
His resurgence in domestic cricket, particularly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, played a key role in KKR’s decision. He was the tournament’s leading run-scorer, amassing 469 runs at an average of 58.62 and a strike rate of 164.56. His aggressive batting style and leadership experience made him the perfect fit to lead KKR.
KKR Confidence in the New Leadership Duo
KKR’s management is confident that Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer will form a strong leadership pair to guide the franchise in their title defense.
“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,” said KKR CEO Venky Mysore.
Rahane History with KKR and Captaincy Experience
This is not Rahane’s first stint with KKR. He was part of the squad in IPL 2022, but his impact was limited—scoring 133 runs in seven matches. After moving to CSK in IPL 2023, he revived his career with a stellar season, scoring 326 runs at a strike rate of 172.49, helping CSK win the title.
Rahane is no stranger to captaincy either. He has led in 25 IPL matches, first with Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017 and later with Rajasthan Royals in 2018-2019. However, his win-loss record as captain stands at 9 victories and 16 defeats, a stat he will look to improve with KKR.
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Venkatesh Iyer: KKR Big-Money Vice-Captain
While Rahane appointment was surprising, Venkatesh Iyer selection as vice-captain was a strategic move.
KKR first signed Venkatesh Iyer for INR 20 lakh in IPL 2021, and he became an instant sensation in the UAE leg, scoring 370 runs in 10 innings and playing a key role in KKR’s runner-up finish that season.
Since then, he has been an integral part of KKR’s squad, delivering standout performances, including a 51-ball century against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023—becoming only the second KKR player to score an IPL hundred after Brendon McCullum.
KKR retained Iyer for INR 8 crore in 2022, but they went all-in during the IPL 2025 auction, engaging in a bidding war with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) before securing him for a massive INR 23.75 crore—one of the highest bids in IPL history.
KKR Title Defense & IPL 2025 Season Opener
With Ajinkya Rahane as captain and Venkatesh Iyer as vice-captain, KKR is gearing up for a strong title defense.
They will kick off IPL 2025 with a thrilling season opener against RCB on March 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
The big question now is—can Rahane and Iyer lead KKR to back-to-back IPL titles?
