Why Kolkata Knight Riders chose Ajinkya Rahane over Venkatesh Iyer for IPL 2025 captaincy

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially appointed Ajinkya Rahane as their captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, opting for the seasoned batter over all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer. KKR CEO Venky Mysore explained that the franchise prioritized experience and stability, believing that captaincy could be overwhelming for a younger player like Iyer.

Rahane, who has previously led IPL teams and the Indian national side in crucial matches, was considered the ideal candidate to take over the leadership reins. Despite Iyer’s strong performances and his hefty ₹23.75 crore price tag at the IPL 2025 mega-auction, KKR management felt that a more experienced hand was necessary to navigate the pressures of an intense T20 tournament.

Captaincy requires a ‘steady hand’—KKR explains its decision

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Mysore emphasized that while KKR holds Iyer in high regard, captaincy brings challenges that require maturity. "IPL is quite an intense tournament. We think very well of Venkatesh Iyer, but at the same time, it [captaincy] is taxing on a youngster. We have seen lots of people having challenges with it as they go forward," he said.

Mysore further elaborated on the leadership qualities that tilted the decision in Rahane’s favor. "It takes a very steady hand, a lot of maturity, and experience, which we felt Ajinkya brings with him."

KKR had to make a leadership change after Shreyas Iyer, who led them to the IPL 2024 title, opted to enter the 2025 mega-auction instead of staying with the franchise. Shreyas was eventually signed by Punjab Kings, forcing KKR to look for a new captain.

Interestingly, Rahane was not an immediate pick during the auction. He initially went unsold but was later brought back into the KKR squad for his base price of ₹1.5 crore when teams were given a chance to reselect unsold players. This marks his second stint with the franchise, having played seven games for them in IPL 2022.

Rahane’s vast IPL experience—having played for six different franchises over 17 seasons—made him a strong candidate for the leadership role. He has also captained Rising Pune Supergiants and Rajasthan Royals in 25 IPL matches. Additionally, he boasts a strong domestic leadership record and played a key role in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy semifinal run, scoring 467 runs in nine matches.

As KKR looks to defend their title, the team management is banking on Rahane’s composure and experience to steer them through the challenges of IPL 2025. While Iyer remains a crucial part of their squad, the franchise believes that this decision will help them balance performance with long-term stability.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!