The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction wrapped up in a thrilling two-day event, where all 10 franchises fought to secure the best talent. The auction showcased a blend of star players, emerging talents, and promising future stars, setting the stage for yet another exhilarating season of cricket. Teams strategically planned their bids to strengthen their squads for the upcoming tournament.
KKR rope in Ajinkya Rahane for IPL 2025
Among the significant moves, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired senior Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane for INR 1.75 crore. Rahane, who previously played for KKR in IPL 2022, is set to return to the franchise with an opportunity to make a greater impact this time. In 2022, Rahane scored 133 runs in seven matches with a highest score of 44, and the Knights are optimistic about his potential contribution in the upcoming season.
Will Rahane lead KKR? CEO Venky Mysore opens up on the possibility
With the departure of Shreyas Iyer, KKR are yet to announce their new captain for IPL 2025. CEO Venky Mysore addressed the speculation about Rahane potentially leading the team. While Mysore acknowledged Rahane’s leadership qualities, he emphasized that the decision would be made after careful deliberation by the team’s think tank.
“Well, you know that. To be honest, we have to sit down and take stock. Sometimes what happens is, after you’ve done all of these things, you just have to sit down, reflect, look at the whole thing. There are stakeholders and parts of the think tank won’t be here. So, we’ll all sit down and have a proper chat about that, and I’m sure a proper decision will be made,” Mysore said during an interaction with JioCinema.
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What Rahane’s inclusion means for KKR
Notably, Rahane’s inclusion in KKR brings both experience and stability to the batting lineup. Known for his calm demeanor and tactical acumen, Rahane’s presence adds depth to the squad. Whether as a senior player or potential captain, he could play a key role in guiding younger players and bolstering KKR’s title defense in IPL 2025.
As the third-most successful IPL team after Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), KKR will aim to maintain their dominance, with Rahane’s return potentially playing a pivotal role in their campaign.
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