According to media reports, Ajinkya Rahane it’s on the line for him become the next captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ABOUT Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 the season. This move comes after KKR’s efforts to recover Shreyas Iyertheir captain during the IPL 2024 season, failed during the recent mega auction. While there was considerable speculation about Venkatesh Iyerthe highest bid at the auction at INR 23.75 crore, taking over the captaincy, KKR seem to favor Rahane’s vast experience and proven leadership skills.
Ajinkya Rahane’s Leadership Background
Rahane has an extensive record of captaincy at various levels in cricket. He has been a prominent figure in domestic cricket, leading mumbai team in multiple tournaments. His management experience also extends to the international arena, where he has been a captain INDIA in important matches, including well-known ones Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2020-21 series. Under Rahane’s leadership, India achieved a memorable Test series victory Australia in Australia, demonstrating his ability to inspire his team during difficult times.
In the IPL, Rahane has led both Rajasthan Royals (RR) AND Rising Pune Supergiants (RPSG). He led the Royals to 2018 AND 2019 seasons and was central to their strategies during that time. His style as a captain is characterized by a calm and composed approach, alongside tactical acumen. Despite a record of nine wins and 16 losses from 25 matches, Rahane’s ability to manage young players and remain calm under pressure has strengthened his value as a leader.
IPL Captain Performance Analysis
Rahane’s IPL leadership stats show his dedication and experience. In 25 matches as captain, Rahane secured nine wins while facing defeat in 16 encounters. He captained Rajasthan Royals for most of those matches, showing his role as a central figure in the team’s strategies. Apart from his captaincy, Rahane has amassed 583 runs at an average of 25.34, including two half-centuries. While his win-loss ratio may not be outstanding, his ability to adapt to different match situations and his leadership skills underline his potential to lead effectively.
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Rahane’s IPL career as a batsman
During his long IPL career, Ajinkya Rahane has consistently been a reliable performer, featuring in more than 185 matches. He has scored 4,642 runs at an average of 30.14 and a strike rate of 123.42. Rahane’s rise has often been characterized by his ability to stabilize and accelerate when required, reflected in his tally of 30 half-centuries and two centuries, with a career-high score of 105*. His versatility has allowed him to excel in different roles and strike combinations.
Notably, Rahane’s performances in 2018 and 2019 were among his best, scoring 370 runs in 15 matches at an average of 28.46 at a strike rate of 118.21 in 2018, followed by 393 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32.75. 137.89 in 2019. Although his stint with KKR in IPL 2022 yielded just 133 runs from seven matches, Rahane’s return to form came with Chennai Super Kings (CSK)where he scored 568 runs in 23 innings at an average of 25.81. His performance in IPL 2024, where he scored 242 runs, proved that he remains an adaptable and reliable player under pressure.
