As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 approaches, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are in search of a new captain following the departure of Shreyas Iyer, who led the team to victory in IPL 2024 but has since joined the Punjab Kings.
With this significant change, speculation is rife about who will take the helm for KKR in the upcoming season. Here are the top three contenders for the captaincy:
1. Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer emerges as a leading candidate for KKR’s captaincy after being signed for a staggering ₹23.75 crore, making him the most expensive player in KKR’s history.
His previous experience as a temporary captain when Nitish Rana was injured showcases his capability to lead under pressure. Iyer’s all-round skills and familiarity with KKR’s dynamics position him as a strong choice to guide the team through IPL 2025.
Iyer’s leadership capabilities were showcased during IPL 2024 when he stepped in as captain for a few matches due to Shreyas Iyer’s injury. Under his brief captaincy, KKR displayed resilience and tactical awareness, which earned him respect among teammates and management.
2. Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane, who joined KKR at a bargain price of ₹1.5 crore, brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities to the table.
Rahane has captained various teams throughout his career, including leading India to a memorable Test series victory in Australia in 2020-21 while regular captain Virat Kohli was unavailable.
His ability to remain composed under pressure and make strategic decisions makes him an ideal candidate for KKR’s captaincy.
Rahane’s calm demeanor and tactical acumen make him an ideal candidate to step into the captaincy role, providing stability and guidance to a squad that includes many younger players.
3. Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh has been a consistent performer for KKR since joining in 2018 and has developed into one of their key players. His ability to handle pressure situations, particularly as a finisher, speaks volumes about his character.
While he may be seen as an unconventional choice for captaincy, his deep understanding of KKR’s culture and his growing stature within the team could make him a surprising yet effective leader.
