The latest developments surrounding the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) leadership have stunned fans and analysts alike. Venkatesh Iyer, the dynamic all-rounder previously considered a strong candidate for the captaincy, seems to have been overlooked in favour of veteran Ajinkya Rahane, who is now reportedly set to lead the team for IPL 2025.

Iyer had been re-signed by KKR for a substantial INR 23.75 crore at the recent mega auction, and his previous association with the franchise, spanning four years, led many to believe that he would be the ideal choice to captain the side. Having worked closely with head coach Chandrakant Pandit during their time with Madhya Pradesh, Iyer’s familiarity with the team’s dynamics gave him the edge. After being picked up by KKR, Iyer openly expressed his readiness to take on the captaincy. He stated, “I’ve always believed that captaincy is just a tag, but leadership is about creating an environment where everyone feels they can play for this team and contribute. If given the responsibility, I would be more than happy to do it.”

Despite Iyer’s comments and familiarity with KKR, the franchise has reportedly leaned towards Rahane, who was bought at a base price of INR 1.5 crore, as their new captain. According to The Times of India, sources within KKR have confirmed that Rahane’s appointment is “90% confirmed,” with the player being bought with the captaincy role in mind. Rahane, the Mumbai Ranji Trophy captain, has significant leadership experience, having previously captained Rajasthan Royals during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. His tenure with Rajasthan, however, saw mixed results, with the team winning only nine of 24 matches under his leadership.

Rahane’s IPL experience as a leader may be somewhat limited in terms of wins, but his calm demeanour and strategic insights have made him a respected figure in Indian cricket. Additionally, Rahane’s connection to KKR is deepened by his familial ties to the franchise’s management. His appointment would also mark a significant shift in leadership, as he would replace Venkatesh Iyer, who has been seen as one of KKR’s key leaders in recent seasons.

In an ironic twist, Rahane’s appointment could also signal a change of guard for KKR. Should Rahane assume the captaincy, he would be taking over from Iyer, who had previously stepped into leadership roles in the absence of regular captains and was even vice-captain of the team. Iyer had been considered the natural successor to Dinesh Karthik and Eoin Morgan, who had captained the side in previous seasons.

While Rahane’s leadership style is known for being calm and steady, the decision to hand him the reins is bold, given KKR’s recent reliance on Iyer’s all-round abilities and leadership potential. This decision could also indicate a change in direction for the franchise, with Rahane perhaps bringing a more measured and experienced approach to the team’s management in the IPL 2025 season.

As KKR fans eagerly await the official announcement, the final decision on the captaincy will stir plenty of debate, with many questioning whether Rahane’s leadership can help elevate KKR to new heights or whether Iyer’s rise to the top was unfairly overlooked.