According to the media reports, Ajinkya Rahane is in line to become the next captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. This move comes after KKR’s efforts to reclaim Shreyas Iyer, their captain during the IPL 2024 season, failed during the recent mega auction. While there was significant speculation regarding Venkatesh Iyer, the highest-priced acquisition in the auction at INR 23.75 crore, taking over the captaincy, KKR appears to favor Rahane’s extensive experience and proven leadership skills.
Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership background
Rahane has an extensive record of captaincy at various levels in cricket. He has been a prominent figure in domestic cricket, leading the Mumbai team in multiple tournaments. His leadership experience also extends to the international arena, where he has captained India in important matches, including the renowned Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2020-21 series. Under Rahane’s guidance, India managed a memorable Test series victory over Australia in Australia, demonstrating his capability to inspire his team during difficult times.
In the IPL, Rahane has captained both Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Rising Pune Supergiants (RPSG). He led the Royals in the 2018 and 2019 seasons and was central to their strategies during that time. His captaincy style is characterized by a calm and composed approach, alongside tactical sharpness. Despite a record of nine wins and 16 losses from 25 matches, Rahane’s ability to manage young players and remain unfazed under pressure has solidified his value as a leader.
IPL captaincy performance analysis
Rahane’s leadership statistics in the IPL show his dedication and experience. Across 25 matches as captain, Rahane secured nine victories while facing defeat in 16 encounters. He commanded Rajasthan Royals for most of those matches, showcasing his role as a central figure in the team’s strategies. In addition to his captaincy, Rahane has accumulated 583 runs at an average of 25.34, including two half-centuries. While his win-loss ratio may not be exceptional, his ability to adapt to various match situations and his leadership skills underscore his potential to lead effectively.
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Rahane’s IPL career as a batter
Over his long career in the IPL, Ajinkya Rahane has consistently been a reliable performer, appearing in more than 185 matches. He has scored 4,642 runs with an average of 30.14 and a strike rate of 123.42. Rahane’s innings are often marked by his ability to stabilize and accelerate when required, reflected in his tally of 30 half-centuries and two centuries, with a career-high score of 105*. His adaptability has allowed him to excel in different batting roles and combinations.
Notably, Rahane’s performances in 2018 and 2019 were among his best, scoring 370 runs in 15 matches at an average of 28.46 with a strike rate of 118.21 in 2018, followed by 393 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32.75 and a strike rate of 137.89 in 2019. Although his stint with KKR in IPL 2022 yielded only 133 runs from seven matches, Rahane’s return to form came with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he scored 568 runs across 23 innings at an average of 25.81. His performance in IPL 2024, where he notched up 242 runs, proved that he remains an adaptable and reliable player under pressure.