KKR Ditch Venkatesh Iyer To Announce This Veteran As Their Captain For IPL 2025

Ajinkya Rahane has been named Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders dispelled the rumors of Venkatesh Iyer becoming captain, but the all-rounder has been named the vice-captain of the side.

Along with Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane was a candidate to captain the Kolkata Knight Riders. Being the only two players viewed as possible leaders, the two had been in the headlines for a while. But the senior hitter was given the go-ahead.

After Shreyas Iyer left the Kolkata Knight Riders before the IPL 2025 auction, the team needed a captain. The IPL-winning captain was dropped from the team because the two sides were unable to agree on the price tag.

Kolkata Knight Riders bought Ajinkya Rahane for INR 1.50 Crore in IPL 2025 auction

The Kolkata Knight Riders retained Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Harshit Rana, and Ramandeep Singh ahead of the IPL 2025 big auction. They didn't select any captaincy options in the IPL 2025 auction, which was also anticipated.

Venkatesh Iyer was the most expensive acquisition made by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who provided some match winners. The all-rounder, who has been with the squad for a few years, was purchased by the team for an incredible INR 23.75 crore. Because of his high salary, there were many reports that he would take over as captain.

Rahane, on the other hand, was considered for the captaincy position due to his extensive expertise and was acquired by the franchise for INR 1.50 crores. The batsman has led Mumbai to numerous victories and has been a mainstay in domestic cricket.

Additionally, he captained the India National Cricket Team, which won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia in 2020–21 under his leadership.

"It's an honor to be asked to lead KKR”- Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane has earlier captained Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and had a decent success with them. The veteran batter expressed his confidence in leading the team to the title and said:

"It's an honor 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 was quoted by KKR.

Honored and excited to lead @KKRiders in the upcoming IPL season! Looking forward to the challenge and giving it our all. Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo 💪🔥 #IPL2025 https://t.co/WNTBzNmPSf

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) March 3, 2025

Kolkata CEO ecstatic

Regarding the selection of Ajinkya Rahane as KKR's captain, CEO Venky Mysore stated that the batter contributes to leadership experience and maturity. Additionally, he discussed Venkatesh Iyer's appointment as vice-captain, expressing faith in the two of them to work together and bring honor.

"We are delighted to have someone like Ajinkya Rahane, who brings his experience and maturity as a leader. Also, Venkatesh lyer 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,” Venky Mysore stated.

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