Ajinkya Rahane to Lead KKR in IPL 2025? CEO Venky Mysore Opens Up on Captaincy Plans After Mega Auction

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) CEO Venky Mysore has addressed the speculation surrounding Ajinkya Rahane potentially becoming the new captain ...

By Lokmat English Desk | Published: November 26, 2024 03:22 PM2024-11-26T15:22:27+5:302024-11-26T15:24:05+5:30

Ajinkya Rahane to Lead KKR in IPL 2025? CEO Venky Mysore Opens Up on Captaincy Plans After Mega Auction

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) CEO Venky Mysore has addressed the speculation surrounding Ajinkya Rahane potentially becoming the new captain for the team in IPL 2025. Following Shreyas Iyer’s departure to Punjab Kings, the defending champions are yet to announce their new skipper. Rahane, who was acquired by KKR for INR 1.5 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, is considered a frontrunner for the leadership role due to his vast experience and composed nature.

Mysore confirmed that KKR’s leadership group would take time to evaluate all factors before making a final decision on the captaincy. Speaking to Star Sports, Mysore said, “Well, you know that. To be honest, we have to sit down and take stock. Sometimes what happens is, after you've done all of these things, you just have to sit down, reflect, and look at the whole thing. There are stakeholders, and parts of the think tank won't be here. So, we'll all sit down and have a proper chat about that, and I'm sure a proper decision will be made.”

Mysore expressed satisfaction with the auction process, praising the team’s strategy. “I think auctions are always up and down and nerve-wracking. But I think the whole team did an amazing job of sticking to the plan. That's the trick, I always feel. But in the end, the way we completed the squad and checked all the boxes that we wanted to, I am extremely happy,” he said.

Iyer was picked by Punjab Kings for a record INR 26.75 crore during the auction, prompting KKR to search for a new leader. Rahane, who had a brief stint with KKR in IPL 2022, scored 133 runs in seven matches at an average of 19 and a strike rate of 103.90. Despite a modest performance, his leadership qualities and experience have made him a strong contender to lead the team.

KKR’s performance at the IPL 2025 auction was notable, with the team securing key players to strengthen their squad. The franchise successfully acquired Venkatesh Iyer for INR 23.75 crore after an intense bidding war and bolstered their pace attack with Spencer Johnson, Anrich Nortje, Umran Malik, and Vaibhav Arora. The team also added to their batting lineup by signing Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Quinton de Kock, Rovman Powell, and Moeen Ali.

KKR is expected to make a final decision on the captaincy in the coming weeks as the team prepares for the IPL 2025 season.

Players Bought by KKR: