The Kolkata Knight Riders’ inability to re-sign captain Shreyas Iyer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction has given the team’s managers a lot to think about. Though the 2024 champions appear to have another player in mind, Venkatesh Iyer, the franchise’s top purchase at INR 23.5 crore in the big auction, has emerged as a candidate for the leadership position. Ajinkya Rahane is reportedly the front-runner to captain KKR in the 2025 Indian Premier League.
Rahane has led several teams in various forms throughout contests, demonstrating his leadership abilities. He is now the captain of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy side and has previously captained the Indian squad when there were no permanent captains. Rahane has only captained the Rajasthan Royals in the 2018 and 2019 IPL seasons, though.
Rahane is allegedly going to be given the leadership after KKR was unable to purchase another candidate in the auction.
“Yes, Ajinkya’s appointment as the next KKR captain is currently 90% certain. According to a source cited by the Times of India, KKR purchased him expressly to have him as a potential captain.
Venaktesh Iyer has already put himself up for the captaincy. He made the major pitch to the managers after the franchise purchased him for INR 23.75 crore.
“I’ve always thought that leadership is about fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels like they can play for this team and contribute, whereas captaincy is simply a tag. Venkatesh had assured the broadcasters JioCinema, “I would be more than happy to take on the responsibility if given it.”
“I had the opportunity to captain the side in Nitish Rana’s absence when he was unfortunately injured, and I was the vice-captain as well;” he stated.
For the 2025 season, KKR may consider appointing Rahane as their full-time captain and giving Venaktesh the position of vice-captain.
For the 2025 season, KKR may consider appointing Rahane as their full-time captain and giving Venaktesh the position of vice-captain. Rahane would be able to develop the all-round player into a potential full-time captain with such a setup.
In 2018 and 2019, the 36-year-old’s only other IPL team was the Rajasthan Royals. In the 24 games played during that time, the squad only won nine of them.
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