Ajinkya Rahane is on the verge of becoming the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the IPL 2025 season, a move that has generated significant buzz in the cricketing community.
After a surprising auction in Jeddah, where KKR acquired Rahane for his base price of INR 1.5 crore, a Times of India report suggests that he is the frontrunner to take over the leadership role following the departure of Shreyas Iyer, who was bought by Punjab Kings for a staggering INR 26.75 crore.
The captaincy surprise from KKR
The decision to appoint Rahane as captain comes as a shock, especially after Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought back by KKR for INR 23.75 crore, expressed his desire to lead the team. Iyer had previously played a significant role in KKR’s dynamics and had worked closely with head coach Chandrakant Pandit during his time at Madhya Pradesh. However, sources indicate that KKR management see Rahane as a more viable captaincy option due to his extensive leadership experience, including captaining the Indian Test team during their historic series win in Australia in 2020/21.
Rahane’s past leadership roles include captaining the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Although his record as a captain is mixed—winning only 9 out of 24 matches with Rajasthan—his experience is viewed as an asset in guiding KKR through the upcoming season. The franchise’s decision appears to be strategic, aiming to leverage Rahane’s calm demeanour and tactical acumen to foster team cohesion and performance.
Also READ: 3 reasons why Ajinkya Rahane can captain Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025
Best batting position for Ajinkya Rahane
As discussions about Rahane’s captaincy unfold, another critical question arises: where should he bat in KKR’s lineup? Given his playing style and previous performances, batting at number 3 or 4 would likely suit him best.
Number 3: A strategic choice
Batting at number 3 allows Rahane to anchor the innings while also providing stability after the fall of early wickets. This position gives him the opportunity to assess the pitch conditions and adapt his game accordingly. Rahane has historically performed well in this role, using his technique and temperament to build partnerships and guide teams through challenging phases of innings. His experience will be invaluable in nurturing younger players who may be part of KKR’s lineup.
Number 4: Flexibility and aggression
On the other hand, batting at number 4 provides Rahane with more freedom to express himself once the initial overs have been negotiated. This position allows him to accelerate scoring without the pressure of being the primary anchor from the start. During his tenure with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he demonstrated an ability to adapt his game effectively, scoring 568 runs across two seasons at an impressive strike rate of 147.5. This flexibility could be crucial for KKR as they look to balance aggression with stability in their batting order.
With Rahane poised to take over as captain of KKR for IPL 2025, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this leadership change will impact the team’s performance. As he steps into this dual role of captain and key batter, Rahane has an opportunity not only to lead but also to redefine his career trajectory within T20 cricket, making this an exciting chapter for both him and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Also READ: CEO Venky Mysore opens up on the prospect of Ajinkya Rahane leading KKR in IPL 2025
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