Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have appointed Ajinkya Rahane as captain for IPL 2025, with Venkatesh Iyer as vice-captain. Rahane was purchased for INR 1.5 crore during the IPL mega auction, while Iyer returned to KKR for INR 23.75 crore. KKR, the defending champions after winning their third title in 2024, will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the season opener at Eden Gardens on March 22. Rahane takes over from Shreyas Iyer, who has moved to Punjab Kings. The only team yet to announce a captain is Delhi Capitals, now led by Rishabh Pant at Lucknow Super Giants.
The reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have appointed Ajinkya Rahane as their captain for IPL 2025. Venkatesh Iyer will serve as the vice-captain.
Rahane was acquired by the franchise at his base price of INR 1.5 crore during the IPL mega auction held in November last year.
Iyer, who was not retained by KKR, was re-signed by the team for INR 23.75 crore, making him the third most expensive buy at the auction.
KKR will kick off the season by hosting Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on March 22, having won the IPL in 2024. They triumphed over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final to claim their third IPL title.
Rahane takes over the captaincy from last season’s successful leader, Shreyas Iyer, who was not retained ahead of the mega auction and is now the captain of Punjab Kings.
With KKR confirming Rahane’s appointment, the only team yet to announce their captain is Delhi Capitals (DC). Rishabh Pant captained DC last year but was not retained and will lead his new team, Lucknow Super Giants, in IPL 2025.
More details to come …