Kolkata: Ajinkya Rahane may not have always been the go-to captain, but he’s consistently shown his leadership skills. A standout moment in Indian cricket was during the 2018 tour of South Africa, where he was the top scorer in the second innings of the Johannesburg victory, even after being left out of the first two Tests despite being the vice-captain. The 2020-21 series against Australia started off poorly for India, with a shocking 36 all out, but Rahane stepped up as captain at the MCG and scored a crucial hundred. He then guided the team to an incredible win at Gabba, all while allowing Virat Kohli, who had returned home after Adelaide, to take the spotlight.

After being out of international cricket for over 20 months due to selectors moving on from him, being called to lead the IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) this season feels like a gamble.

But it’s not just a gamble. Those familiar with Rahane can attest to his determination, which kept him pushing for a spot on the team until he finally made his Test debut at 25. He’s not a natural talent like some of his Mumbai peers, but he’s hardworking, has a sharp understanding of the game, and remains remarkably calm under pressure. His time with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2018-19 might have been a missed opportunity, and the ongoing battle to meet the Indian team’s needs took a toll on him. However, this season presents a fantastic opportunity for Rahane to create a lasting legacy.

While recent performance is important, what truly stands out about Rahane is his selflessness. He has always viewed the tough times in his career as necessary sacrifices for the greater good. “Look, it’s a team game,” Rahane shared with HT shortly after the 2018 South Africa tour. “I’m the type of person who respects the captain’s decisions if they’re for the team’s benefit. I never think about myself.”

Having that mindset could open up a world of opportunities for KKR. Imagine more adaptable batting orders, creative field placements, bold bowling in the middle overs, and a more team-oriented approach overall. While investing in Rahane’s leadership at 36 might seem like a short-term move, given the ever-changing T20 scene, now could be the perfect moment to leverage his wealth of experience before he retires.

The batting lineup has also been on the rise lately. Rahane has notched up two IPL centuries, but what’s really impressive is his recent performance in domestic T20s, where he scored 469 runs at a strike rate of 164.56, including five fifties in the latest Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With T20 strategies evolving once again, Rahane’s dynamic batting style could really boost a KKR team that already features Sunil Narine at the top for maximum effect.

“It’s always been about being the anchor while others play around me,” Rahane shared at a recent event in Mumbai. “But in the last couple of years, it’s all about playing freely and fearlessly – just going out there and backing my game.”

This appointment has a bit of KKR coach Chandrakant Pandit’s influence too. We’ve got two Mumbaikars who share a history of excelling in the Ranji Trophy, both with a similar mindset focused on process and discipline, and they tend to keep celebrations in check. This might be just what KKR needs to balance out the lively energy on the field. IPL cricket is all about expression, but the tournament has also seen consistent success from those who stick to their instincts. MS Dhoni leads that list, followed by Gautam Gambhir, who was an outstanding captain for KKR not just because of his resources, but due to his understanding of the team’s limitations. Rahane shares that same mentality, both as a captain and a player.

“It’s all about sticking to my processes and routines, being loyal and honest to the game. I focus on staying present, keeping calm, and trusting myself. I try not to dwell on the past or get too far ahead. It’s really about improving and enjoying my game,” Rahane mentioned.

Those are great sentiments, but they’ll be put to the test. Defending a title is tougher than winning one, a feat only achieved by Chennai Super Kings (2010, 2011) and Mumbai Indians (2019, 2020) so far. The nature of the IPL, which kicks off on March 22, means there will always be moments when a captain is evaluated purely on their game sense. Keeping the team motivated while leading a squad that thrives on a high-risk approach is likely the biggest challenge Rahane has taken on.

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