Ajinkya Rahane Named KKR Captain for IPL 2025

Ajinkya Rahane has been appointed as the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the IPL 2025 season, with Venkatesh Iyer serving as his deputy. KKR CEO Venky Mysore explained that the decision was made due to Rahane's extensive experience and the demanding nature of IPL captaincy, which could be taxing for the younger Iyer. Rahane, previously unsold in the initial auction rounds, was acquired by KKR for his base price, while Iyer was bought back for a hefty INR 23.75 crore. Despite Iyer's significant role in KKR's previous title win, the franchise prioritized Rahane's leadership capabilities. The decision has been supported by former cricketer Piyush Chawla, citing Rahane's past performances and leadership in domestic cricket. Shreyas Iyer, the former KKR captain who led them to a title in 2024, moved to Punjab Kings for INR 26.75 crore.