Aakash Chopra Predicts KKR Captain For IPL 2025

The former Indian opening batter, Aakash Chopra, reckons that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has a few captaincy options going into the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). They neither retained nor bought their winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, whom Punjab Kings (PBKS) appointed as the new leader.

The defending champions have a few experienced players under their wings for the captaincy department. Sunil Narine has led their franchise in the International League T20 (ILT20), while Rinku Singh could be a formidable option.

Aakash Chopra rules out Ajinkya Rahane leading KKR in IPL 2025

Aakash Chopra is virtually not in favor of Ajinkya Rahane leading the Knight Riders. He also feels that Rinku is unlikely to get the honor for the 18th season of the tournament.

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The franchise left out Shreyas before the mega auction and retained their lower middle order batter, Rinku, for a price of INR 13 crore. They also signed Rahane late in the two-day action for the base price of INR 1.50 crore.

The 36-year-old Mumbai captain didn’t enjoy a great time last year with just 242 runs in 12 innings at an average of 20.16 and a strike rate of 123.46 at the best score of 46.

“They bought Ajinkya Rahane right at the end. His first-class form has been very good, and he played extremely well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. So it seems like you can make Ajinkya Rahane your captain. I don't think Rahane will be in their thought process. I don't think Ajinkya Rahane is their captain.” Aakash Chopra addressed this in a video, uploaded to his YouTube channel.

“It should be a two-horse race. It has to be either Venkatesh Iyer or Rinku Singh. In my opinion, Rinku Singh's stocks should have increased. He is UP's captain and is a proper player. However, it doesn't seem like they would make him their captain as well.” He added.

The Aligarh-born batter went through a hot and cold season in 2024 for the KKR franchise with 168 runs in 11 innings at an average of 18.66 and a strike rate of just below 150, shouldering on the best score of 26.

Aakash Chopra questions KKR for purchasing Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2025 mega auction

The former KKR batter has also pointed out that the Knight Riders might be wondering if they crossed the budget while purchasing Venkatesh Iyer at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

“You went all guns blazing and spent so much money on Venkatesh Iyer that you suddenly feel whether you spent too much. You might have got even Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, or a few other players for that much. There were plenty of options available in the auction.” Aakash Chopra noted.

The renowned commentator reckoned that KKR will possibly appoint Iyer as their leader for the upcoming 2025 season, considering the amount they have spent after the all-rounder.

“However, they went with Venkatesh Iyer. They kept going a long way for him. They were fighting with RCB. In the end, they got him, and I think he could be their captain. When you have invested so much money in someone, Venkatesh Iyer might be KKR's captain.” Aakash Chopra observed.

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Venkatesh smashed 370 runs in 13 innings during IPL 2024 at a strike rate of 158.79 and an average of 46.25, thanks to four half-centuries.

KKR to start IPL 2025 against RCB

Recent reports have claimed that the Knight Riders will play the season opener of the IPL 2025 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens.

They will also host the second qualifier and final of the event, while the first qualifier and eliminator will take place at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad.