Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have stuck with some old guns, went all out for a player they see as their future leader and put their money on some relatively untested talent to build their squad for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). On the surface, it may look like they let go of three key figures of their title triumph last year in erstwhile captain Shreyas Iyer, pacer Mitchell Starc and explosive opener Phil Salt. However, just a little scratch on that surface is enough to show that KKR have stuck to their time-tested philosophy of holding on to some of their pillars come what may.
KKR were widely expected to announce Venkatesh Iyer as their captain after splurging INR 23.75 Crore on the all-rounder. However, Iyer was made the vice-captain and the captain was the experienced Ajinkya Rahane. This is Rahane’s second stint with KKR, although his previous one is probably something he and fans wouldn’t be too thrilled to recall. He was selected just seven times in the 2022 season, scoring 133 at a measly strike rate of 103.90 and average of 19.00. It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if he has a vastly different season this time, though, having transformed his approach in T20 cricket after he left them for CSK. Moreover, Rahane was simply sensational in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 469 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 164.56 as he powered Mumbai to the title.