IPL 2025: Why Ajinkya Rahane is a Top Choice for Captain of KKR ?

With IPL 2025 on the horizon, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are hunting for a new captain after parting ways with their title-winning skipper, Shreyas Iyer. While several names have been speculated, one name has emerged as a strong contender—Ajinkya Rahane. The veteran batter has returned to the KKR setup after a stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and reports suggest that the franchise brought him back with leadership in mind. But is Rahane the right man for the job? 

Rahane’s IPL Journey: A Wealth of Experience

Ajinkya Rahane is one of the few players who has been a part of the IPL since its inaugural season in 2008. Over the years, he has played for six different franchises, including Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), Delhi Capitals (DC), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and now Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Most of his IPL career was spent with Rajasthan Royals, where he played from 2012 to 2015 and then again in 2018 and 2019. During RR’s two-year suspension (2016-2017), he was part of Rising Pune Supergiant, where he even captained the side. This experience makes him one of the most seasoned campaigners in the league.

KKR and Rahne an old bond

At the IPL 2025 mega auction, KKR acquired Ajinkya Rahane, KKR captain contender, for his base price of ₹1.5 crores. While many saw this as a bargain buy, reports indicate that the move was strategic—KKR wanted him as a potential captain. The decision makes sense given his years of experience, composed personality, and ability to handle pressure.

KKR is a franchise that thrives on stability and tactical acumen in leadership. With Rahane at the helm, they would have a leader who is calm under pressure, respected in the dressing room, and well-versed in handling different situations on the field.

Rahane’s Past Captaincy Experience in the IPL

Rahane’s leadership experience in the IPL is not extensive but is noteworthy. He captained Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant in 25 matches between 2017 and 2019. Under his leadership, his teams won nine matches and lost 16. While the win-loss ratio isn’t extraordinary, there are important factors to consider:

• In IPL 2018, Rahane led Rajasthan Royals to the playoffs, proving that he can guide a team deep into the tournament.
• He took charge in challenging circumstances, often with limited resources in his squad, and led Mumbai to the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy.
• His composed demeanour on the field has always been appreciated by teammates and experts alike.

However, his captaincy stint also had its struggles. In IPL 2019, after RR had a poor start to the season, the management handed over the leadership to Steve Smith mid-season. Additionally, his batting performances under captaincy were not the best—he scored 583 runs in 25 games at an average of 25 and a strike rate of 122, with only two half-centuries.

Why Rahane is a Good Fit for KKR in 2025

Despite his mixed captaincy record, Rahane could be the right choice for KKR in IPL 2025- 

• Vast Experience – Having been part of multiple IPL franchises and international cricket, Rahane brings immense tactical knowledge to the table.
• Composure Under Pressure – KKR needs a leader who remains calm in crunch situations, and Rahane’s temperament is tailor-made for this role.
• Guiding Young Talent – With KKR focusing on young talents like Rinku Singh and Venkatesh Iyer, Rahane’s leadership can provide them with the mentorship needed to excel.
• Championship Mindset – He was part of the CSK squad that won IPL 2023 under MS Dhoni. Learning from one of the greatest captains in cricket history would have added new dimensions to his leadership approach.

While KKR has a few captaincy options, Ajinkya Rahane, KKR captain candidate, is a smart choice. He might not be the most aggressive captain, but his leadership qualities, experience, and understanding of the game make him a valuable asset. If he gets the nod, KKR fans can expect a composed and strategic leader, guiding the team towards another strong campaign in IPL 2025.

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