The 2024 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is progressing towards a likely showdown between former India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane and all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, both of whom are reportedly contenders for the captaincy of the Kolkata Knight Riders. On Wednesday, their respective teams advanced to the semifinals, with both players delivering match-winning performances. However, it was Rahane's exceptional display that particularly caught the eye during the quarterfinals.

For the second consecutive match in a chase exceeding 200 runs, Rahane achieved a score of over fifty in a victorious effort. Following his impressive 95 runs off just 45 balls against Andhra in the round of 16, Rahane struck 84 runs off 45 balls, including ten boundaries and three sixes, as Mumbai successfully chased down a target of 222 with four balls remaining.

Rahane, who was signed by KKR during the recent mega auction for the IPL 2025 season, established a rapid opening partnership of 83 runs with Prithvi Shaw, who showcased his potential with a dynamic 49 runs off 26 balls. Despite Vidarbha's comeback with three quick wickets, including that of captain Shreyas Iyer, Rahane received valuable support from Shivam Dube, a member of India's T20 World Cup-winning squad. Dube later contributed to a swift 67-run partnership with Suryansh Shedge, leading Mumbai to a six-wicket victory and a place in the final. Dube finished with an unbeaten 37 runs off 22 balls, including one four and two sixes.

Earlier in the day, Venkatesh, who was acquired by KKR for an impressive INR 23.75 crore at the auction last month, excelled for Madhya Pradesh with his all-round capabilities. Although he began his innings slowly while chasing a target of 174 against Saurashtra, taking seven balls to score his first two runs, he eventually adopted an anchoring role that allowed his teammates to thrive. Venkatesh also claimed two wickets with the ball and concluded his innings unbeaten at 38 runs off 33 balls.

Who will be the next KKR captain?

KKR's inability to secure a clear captaincy candidate during the two-day mega auction in Jeddah prompted Venkatesh to express his interest in leading the franchise. He highlighted his previous experience as a captain when he stepped in for the injured Nitish Rana during the 2023 season, serving as the vice-captain at that time.

Nevertheless, a report from the Times of India earlier this month indicated that KKR is considering appointing Rahane as the next captain. A source informed TOI, "Yes, at the moment it's 90% confirmed that Ajinkya will be the new KKR captain. He was acquired by KKR specifically to serve as a viable captaincy option."

Read Also: Leveraging Data Analytics for India's Comeback Against Australia

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!