Rahane, the senior-most India player in the KKR set-up, now steps into the role left by Shreyas Iyer, who led the franchise to IPL 2024 triumph in Chennai. Iyer, though, wasn\u2019t retained by the franchise and will now captain Punjab Kings in IPL 2025.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an honour to be asked to lead KKR, which has been one of the most successful franchises in the IPL. I think we have an excellent and balanced squad. I look forward to working with everyone and taking up the challenge of defending our title,\u201d said Rahane in a statement issued by the franchise on Monday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rahane\u2019s previous IPL captaincy stints was with Rajasthan Royals, and led them to IPL 2018 playoffs, and now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant. Once KKR got Rahane in, it was nearly certain that he would captain them, though names of Iyer, the franchise\u2019s costliest buy in the mega auction with Rs 23.75 crore, and Rinku Singh as potential leaders were doing the rounds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rahane had captained Mumbai to winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the recent domestic cricket season, where he was also the competition\u2019s highest run-getter with 469 runs in nine matches, including five half-centuries and was adjudged as Player of the Tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are delighted to have someone like Ajinkya Rahane, who brings his experience and maturity as a leader. Also, Venkatesh Iyer has been a franchise player for KKR and brings a lot of leadership qualities. We are confident that they will combine well as we start the defense of our title,\u201d said Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rahane had captained Mumbai to winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the recent domestic cricket season, where he was also the competition\u2019s highest run-getter with 469 runs in nine matches, including five half-centuries and was adjudged as Player of the Tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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