Kolkata Knight Riders franchise CEO Venky Mysore stated that Ajinkya Rahane’s significant experience and maturity were key factors in appointing him as captain for the defending champions in the IPL. This decision came despite Venkatesh Iyer being a strong contender.
While Venkatesh Iyer, the Indian all-rounder, was considered for captaincy and expressed his readiness, KKR ultimately opted for Rahane. Venkatesh Iyer was released after the 2024 season but was re-acquired in the auction. Rahane, with his vast experience, was preferred to lead the team, and Venkatesh was named vice-captain.
Mysore explained to ESPNcricinfo that the IPL is an intense tournament, and captaincy can be demanding, especially for younger players. Rahane’s steady hand, maturity, and experience were deemed crucial. Mysore highlighted that while they rate Venkatesh Iyer highly, captaincy requires a different level of experience, which Rahane possesses.
Shreyas Iyer captained KKR to victory in IPL 2024 but was not retained as he entered the auction and was subsequently bought by Punjab Kings. Rahane, who initially went unsold in the auction, was later picked up by KKR at his base price. This marks Rahane’s second stint with KKR, having played for them in IPL 2022.
Rahane’s extensive IPL career spans 185 games and 200 international matches across all formats. He has captained India in the past and has a successful captaincy record in domestic cricket and in the IPL for Rising Pune Supergiant and Rajasthan Royals. Mysore emphasized that Rahane’s wealth of experience is invaluable to KKR.
Mysore further elaborated on the multifaceted nature of captaincy in the IPL, extending beyond on-field decisions to media interactions and team management. He believes Rahane’s experience will be beneficial in building team relationships and extracting the best performance from every player. Mysore is confident in Rahane’s captaincy and his batting contributions.
Regarding Venkatesh Iyer, Mysore affirmed that he remains a vital part of the leadership group and is considered a future captain. Venkatesh’s leadership qualities, respect within the team, and energy were praised. Appointing him as vice-captain is intended to facilitate his learning under Rahane’s mentorship, fostering a close working relationship between them.
