Ajinkya Rahane was appointed as the brand new captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Monday, March 3, forward of the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Rahane led Mumbai admirably in Ranji Trophy 2024-25, serving to the defending champions attain the semi-finals. He’ll now look to assist KKR defend their title after they emerged victorious final season underneath Shreyas Iyer’s reign.
Rahane was unsold within the first spherical of the IPL 2025 mega-auction final yr. Nevertheless, KKR signed him for his base worth of INR 1.5 crore later throughout the occasion. That is Rahane’s second stint with KKR after he was launched by the franchise following a dismal outing with the bat in IPL 2022, the place he scored 133 runs in seven video games at a strike price of 103.91.
Rahane has the expertise of main IPL groups like Rising Pune Supergiant and Rajasthan Royals. Nevertheless, some followers aren’t too happy with the KKR administration’s determination to nominate Rahane within the pivotal position. The 36-year-old Rahane is a power to reckon with in red-ball cricket however his capability within the shortest format within the fag finish of his profession is underneath the scanner.
Additionally Learn: IPL 2025: Ajinkya Rahane unveiled as KKR captain
On this article, CricTracker lists three gamers who may have been higher choices as KKR’s captain for IPL 2025.
3. Rovman Powell
Rovman Powell was signed by KKR for INR 1.50 crore on the IPL 2025 mega-auction. The three-time champions have been the one crew to bid for the West Indian all-rounder. Powell was launched by Rajathan Royals forward of the public sale.
The suitable-handed batter has been main the West Indies within the shortest format since February 2023. The Caribbean facet has fared decently underneath his management. Nevertheless, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine will probably be beginning in all of the video games except they’re injured. Having the 31-year-old because the chief of the facet would have left KKR with just one abroad participant’s spot. They might both have a wicketkeeper or a quick bowler as their fourth abroad participant.