Ajinkya Rahane has been appointed as the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the IPL 2025 season, as the franchise opted for seasoned leadership over youthful exuberance. KKR's CEO, Venky Mysore, disclosed that although Venkatesh Iyer was a candidate for the captaincy, the management believed that the demands of leading in such a high-pressure tournament might be overwhelming for a young player.

"The IPL is a highly intense competition. We hold Venkatesh Iyer in high regard, but we also recognize that the responsibilities of captaincy can be quite taxing for a young individual. We have observed many players facing significant challenges in managing such a role as they progress," Mysore stated in an interview with ESPNcricinfo.

Rahane, who has prior experience in leading IPL teams, was considered the ideal choice due to his extensive experience and composed demeanor.

"Effective leadership requires a steady hand, along with considerable maturity and experience, qualities that we believe Ajinkya possesses," Mysore further commented.

Shreyas Iyer, who captained KKR to their third IPL title in 2024, was released by the franchise prior to the IPL 2025 mega auction. He was subsequently acquired by Punjab Kings for an impressive INR 26.75 crore, making him the second-most expensive player in the tournament.

During the auction, KKR focused on retaining essential players and made a significant financial investment to re-sign Venkatesh Iyer for a remarkable INR 23.75 crore. Despite this considerable expenditure, the franchise decided to entrust the captaincy to Rahane, relying on his wealth of experience.

Rahane’s return to KKR

Rahane's return to KKR came after he went unsold in the initial phases of the IPL 2025 auction. He re-entered the league when franchises were allowed to recall certain unsold players, and KKR secured him for his base price of ₹1.5 crore, marking his comeback to the team after having previously played for them in IPL 2022.

A seasoned player in the league, Rahane has played for six distinct franchises and has been involved in the IPL since its establishment in 2008. His leadership credentials encompass captaining the Indian Test cricket team, overseeing 25 IPL matches for two franchises—Rising Pune Supergiants and Rajasthan Royals—and steering Mumbai to the Ranji Trophy semi-finals this season, where he scored 467 runs, including a century.

Read Also: MS Dhoni's Silence on Rohit Sharma Sparks Online Backlash

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!