As the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) strategize for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the search for a seasoned and reliable captain is paramount. Amid the contenders, Ajinkya Rahane emerges as a strong candidate due to his extensive leadership experience, calm and composed demeanor, and ability to inspire players in high-pressure scenarios. Here are three in-depth reasons why Rahane is perfectly suited to lead KKR in the upcoming season.

3 reasons why Ajinkya Rahane can lead KKR in IPL 2025

1. Ample experience as a leader in the cash-rich league

Rahane has a wealth of experience as an IPL captain, having previously led the Rajasthan Royals (RR) with distinction. His captaincy tenure with RR during the 2018 season is a prime example of his ability to navigate challenges and extract the best out of his team. Despite the absence of their regular captain, Steve Smith, and a team filled with young and inexperienced players, Rahane showcased his tactical brilliance and took RR to the playoffs.

Rahane’s strategic mindset is reflected in his decision-making, particularly in managing bowling changes, field placements, and pacing the innings as a batter. His ability to remain composed under pressure allows him to make rational decisions even in crunch situations. In the IPL, where matches are often decided by fine margins, Rahane’s calm approach and cricketing intellect make him a dependable leader.

At KKR, a team that features a mix of fiery all-rounders, emerging young players, and seasoned campaigners, Rahane’s leadership could provide the perfect balance. His ability to foster a winning environment while guiding youngsters could set KKR on a path to consistent success.

2. Proven leadership in international cricket

Rahane’s credentials as a leader extend beyond the IPL, with his stint as India’s Test captain standing out as a career highlight. One of the most iconic examples of his leadership was during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia. After India suffered a humiliating defeat in the first Test in Adelaide and regular skipper Virat Kohli left for personal reasons, Rahane took over a battered team and inspired one of the most remarkable turnarounds in cricket history.

Under his captaincy, India bounced back to win the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, a game in which Rahane himself led from the front with a match-winning century. His astute field placements, calculated use of bowlers, and motivational skills were instrumental in India securing the series against all odds, culminating in a historic win at the Gabba—Australia’s fortress for over three decades.

Rahane’s leadership during that series showcased his ability to manage diverse personalities, handle adversity with poise, and foster a sense of unity among players. These attributes are invaluable in the IPL, where teams are a mix of international stars and domestic talent. His ability to inspire confidence and elevate the team’s performance makes him a natural leader for KKR.

Also READ: CEO Venky Mysore opens up on the prospect of Ajinkya Rahane leading KKR in IPL 2025

3. An experienced campaigner in the KKR squad

Rahane’s vast experience sets him apart from the other potential captaincy contenders in the current KKR setup. While the team has notable names like Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, and Sunil Narine, Rahane’s unparalleled experience in both IPL and international cricket gives him a significant edge.

The IPL’s rule of allowing only four overseas players in the playing XI often means that KKR’s overseas stars won’t feature in every game. This makes Rahane a consistent and reliable leadership option. Moreover, his Indian roots enable better communication with domestic players, fostering a sense of unity and understanding within the team.

Rahane’s role isn’t limited to his captaincy credentials; his ability to anchor the innings as a batter and guide younger players is equally vital. He provides stability to the batting lineup, often setting the foundation for big scores or helping chase down tricky targets. Players like Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, and others in KKR’s lineup can benefit immensely from Rahane’s mentorship, learning the art of constructing innings and managing game situations.

Also READ: Kolkata Knight Riders IPL 2025 Squad: Complete players list of KKR after the mega auction

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KL Rahul, a prolific run-scorer and seasoned leader in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is now poised to be a top target in the 2025 mega auction following Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)’s decision not to retain him. Since his IPL debut in 2013, Rahul has played for four franchises, building a reputation as a consistent top-order batter with 4,683 runs across 132 matches.

Despite his achievements, reports suggest LSG’s management chose not to retain him, citing concerns over his strike rate as a factor. Rahul’s entry into the auction will open up opportunities for teams in need of a captain, wicketkeeper-batter, and experienced T20 player.

Given his experience and skill, Rahul is likely to attract serious attention, and several franchises are expected to enter a bidding war to secure his services for the upcoming season.

5 franchises who can go for KL Rahul in IPL 2025 mega auction

1. Delhi Capitals (DC)

With Rishabh Pant not retained by Delhi Capitals, the franchise now needs both a wicketkeeper and an experienced leader. Rahul’s tactical know-how, combined with his experience captaining Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, makes him a prime candidate to fill the leadership void in the Capitals’ lineup. Not only would he offer depth in the batting order, but his calm demeanor and adaptability could be the steadying influence DC needs to excel. His ability to manage high-stakes situations and his natural leadership qualities would make him a valuable asset for DC as they aim to clinch their maiden IPL title.

2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru has a history with Rahul, as the team where he began his IPL journey. With RCB not retaining their captain Faf du Plessis and veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik announcing his IPL retirement, Rahul could be a natural fit to address both gaps. Rahul’s prior experience with RCB, coupled with his leadership skills, makes him an ideal candidate to captain the side, potentially marking a full-circle moment in his career. His established presence at the top order would provide RCB with both stability and a strategic advantage, potentially boosting their prospects for an elusive IPL championship. RCB’s passionate fanbase, known for its loyalty and enthusiasm, would likely welcome Rahul back as he brings both skill and leadership to the table.

3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Chennai Super Kings have a reputation for nurturing players who exhibit both leadership and reliability, traits long embodied by their iconic captain, MS Dhoni. With Dhoni’s retirement anticipated, CSK will be looking for a player who can embody the franchise’s values and lead the next phase. Rahul’s calm temperament, consistent batting, and wicketkeeping capabilities align seamlessly with CSK’s ethos. He has the potential to seamlessly transition into a leadership role within CSK’s well-defined structure, either as captain or as an experienced hand under Ruturaj Gaikwad. His approach to the game and his ability to stay composed under pressure could make him a significant asset for CSK, helping them maintain the winning mentality that has defined the Dhoni era.

Also READ: 3 teams who can target Rishabh Pant in the IPL 2025 mega auction

4. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Punjab Kings have released most of their experienced players, retaining only a few promising young talents, who have left a substantial leadership gap in their lineup. Given Rahul’s past experience captaining Punjab Kings, a reunion could benefit both sides. Rahul is familiar with the franchise’s culture and would bring a sense of continuity and familiarity to PBKS’s structure. His batting prowess and leadership skills would offer PBKS a solid foundation as they aim to rebuild a competitive squad. Rahul’s return could provide stability and create a focal point for the team, allowing PBKS to re-establish themselves as strong contenders in the league. His past performances with Punjab make him a strong candidate to lead the franchise once again, particularly as they seek to nurture a balanced lineup capable of challenging for the title.

5. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Kolkata Knight Riders, coming off a title-winning season under Shreyas Iyer, find themselves in need of a captain after parting ways with Iyer. With the need for an inspiring leader to carry forward the team’s recent success, Rahul’s experience and composure under pressure make him an appealing option. His wicketkeeping skills and ability to anchor an innings would add depth to KKR’s batting order, while his leadership could bring stability to the squad. Known for his tactical approach and his readiness to take on responsibility, Rahul could help KKR make a winning identity and continue the upward momentum. His presence would add a new dimension to KKR’s setup, providing them with a leader who could replicate their recent triumphs and potentially foster a new era of consistent success.

Notably, the IPL 2025 mega auction promises to be a competitive event with Rahul expected to be one of the most sought-after players. Franchises like Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders each have unique reasons for pursuing Rahul, from leadership needs to wicketkeeping options. His wealth of experience and steadying influence make him a prime candidate for any team seeking a captain who can also deliver with the bat.

Also READ: Indian Premier League: Top 10 costliest retentions for IPL 2025

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With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season on the horizon, teams are working hard to solidify their rosters ahead of the player retention deadline on October 31. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are reportedly preparing to shake up their lineup, with Nicholas Pooran expected to top their retention list. This decision could coincide with a major shift in leadership, as current captain KL Rahul may not be retained and could possibly return to his former team, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

As LSG navigates the potential departure of Rahul, they’ll be on the lookout for a new skipper to lead the squad in 2025. Pooran, a seasoned international cricketer and accomplished batter, can be considered one of the top choices to take up the captaincy. Let’s have a look at some pointers as to why Pooran can be an ideal captaincy candidate for LSG.

3 reasons why Nicholas Pooran can captain LSG in IPL 2025

1. Vast leadership experience at both international and IPL levels

Pooran’s leadership credentials are well-established. He has captained the West Indies T20I team, where he demonstrated his strategic acumen and composed approach under high-stakes situations. Additionally, during the previous IPL season, he filled in as the LSG captain when Rahul was injured, showing his ability to seamlessly step into the leadership role within the franchise. His experience across both international and IPL stages has refined his skills in team management and tactical planning, which could be invaluable for LSG as they aim to make a strong impact in the next IPL season.

Also READ: IPL 2025 – LSG set to retain Nicholas Pooran at an eye-catching price; KL Rahul not in plans

2. Tactical advantage as a wicketkeeper with a field-wide perspective

Being a wicketkeeper-batter, Pooran holds a unique position on the field, allowing him to see the game from a broad, strategic viewpoint. His role behind the stumps gives him a clear view of the field setup, bowler positioning, and the opponent’s scoring tactics, enabling him to make real-time adjustments to field placements and bowling plans. This advantage can greatly benefit LSG, as Pooran’s perspective allows him to make informed decisions on the fly, adapting to the dynamic flow of a T20 match.

3. Strong connection with team members and influence in decision-making

Pooran is known for his positive influence and connection with fellow teammates, who often look to him for insights and advice. His approachable nature and experience have helped him build strong relationships within the squad, making him an effective communicator on and off the field. His popularity and leadership style encourage team collaboration, and his opinions are highly respected by players and coaches alike. These qualities make Pooran a natural leader, likely to inspire and motivate LSG’s players in pursuit of team goals, uniting the squad under his guidance.

Also READ: 3 teams that can bid for KL Rahul if LSG releases him ahead of IPL 2025 mega auctions

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