Published By: Sanchari Das

KKR Recognises Rahane’s Captaincy Potential: Here’s How He Has Fared as a Skipper

With IPL 2025 around the corner, KKR's decision on captaincy will set the tone for their campaign

The IPL 2025 Auction came with surprises, and for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), one of the biggest was the departure of their title-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer. Despite retaining a solid core, KKR let go of players like Iyer, Nitish Rana, Phil Salt, and Mitchell Starc. The defending champions, however, made headlines by purchasing Venkatesh Iyer for a staggering ₹23.75 crore. The captaincy question looms large while the squad looks ready for another playoff push.

A tough choice ahead for KKR

KKR's CEO Venky Mysore hinted at lengthy discussions about leadership post-auction. The obvious choice was Venkatesh Iyer, given his familiarity with Chandrakant Pandit and stellar domestic performances. The all-rounder has shown his capability to shoulder responsibility, and the franchise's investment in him suggests faith in his abilities. Yet, the spotlight has shifted unexpectedly to a seasoned veteran—Ajinkya Rahane.

Ajinkya Rahane: A surprise contender

In an unforeseen twist, Ajinkya Rahane has emerged as a frontrunner for KKR's captaincy. Acquired for ₹1.5 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, Rahane brings a wealth of leadership experience. A former captain of Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai's Ranji team, Rahane is no stranger to leading under pressure. Though he had a lacklustre stint with KKR in 2022, with 133 runs from seven matches, his recent resurgence with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) revived his T20 credentials.

Leadership experience like no other

Rahane's captaincy credentials are hard to overlook. He famously led India to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in 2020-21, a series that tested leadership and resilience. At the domestic level, he has guided Mumbai to success in Ranji. These experiences underline his ability to lead by example, especially in high-stakes situations. For KKR, a team aiming to defend its title, Rahane's calm demeanour could provide much-needed stability.

Youth vs experience: The dilemma

Choosing Rahane as captain signals KKR's preference for experience over youthful exuberance. Despite his hefty price tag, Venkatesh Iyer could benefit from Rahane's mentorship. With Rahane at the helm, KKR might use this season to groom Venkatesh for future leadership roles. Balancing experienced heads with young talent has been a formula for success in the IPL, and KKR might aim to replicate this strategy.

The bigger picture for KKR

Rahane's captaincy could reshape KKR's approach. His methodical mindset and emphasis on team dynamics might suit a squad in transition. Additionally, his proven ability to make tactical decisions under pressure aligns with KKR's championship aspirations. If he can rediscover consistency with the bat, Rahane could inspire the team both on and off the field.

Foreign options: Narine, Russell, or de Kock?

KKR also has several foreign players with leadership potential. Sunil Narine, a franchise stalwart, has captained sister teams Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Los Angeles Knight Riders, but his record hasn't been impressive. Andre Russell's injury concerns make him a less viable option. With his international captaincy experience, Quinton de Kock is a strong contender. However, his focus will likely be on bolstering KKR's top order rather than leading the side. Rovman Powell, the current West Indies skipper, is another option but may not be a regular starter.

Can KKR trust Rahane?

While Rahane might not have a future with the Indian national team, his IPL journey offers a second wind. For KKR, his leadership could mean a smoother transition while preparing younger players for bigger roles. However, his previous underwhelming stint with KKR and questions about his T20 strike rate cannot be ignored. The team management will need to assess whether his leadership outweighs these concerns.