Ajinkya Rahane played an impactful performance with 35 off 30 balls and formed 65-run partnership with Dube to lift CSK from 54/2 to 119/3 | Credits: Chennai Super Kings IPL
Kolkata Knight Riders have named Ajinkya Rahane as their captain ahead of IPL 2025, with seam-bowling all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer as his deputy for the season. The announcement came on March 3, 2025 as the defending champions’ official social media handle announced it as they prepare to retain their crown this year.
Rahane, who has captained the Rajasthan Royals in his IPL career, was not retained by the Chennai Super Kings after not having an impressive outing with the franchise in the 2024 edition. However, the Knight Riders went for the veteran right-hander, giving him a contract of ₹1.50 crore. Venkatesh Iyer, who played an integral role in Kolkata’s third title win last year, had expressed his wish to lead the side but couldn’t get the opportunity on this occasion.
The Knight Riders will be in action on the very opening day of IPL 2025, facing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The final will also take place at the same venue on May 25.
