Ajinkya Rahane has been named the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This announcement places him alongside other newly appointed captains like Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar, who will also lead their respective franchises in IPL 2025.
While KKR transitions from one captain to another, Rahane’s experience in leadership is well-established. The 36-year-old is one of Indian cricket’s most successful former captains, boasting an impressive record during his brief tenure as skipper of the national team.
Rahane’s Remarkable Record as the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team
Rahane’s stint as captain of the Indian cricket team was short but highly impactful. In December 2020, he led India to a historic Test series victory in Australia, highlighted by a memorable win in the 4th Test at Brisbane, ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue. Rahane played a pivotal role, scoring a crucial 112 runs in the second Test. During his leadership, he remained unbeaten, securing four wins and two draws in six Tests.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Rahane’s record as captain is flawless, with India winning all three matches he led, giving him a 100% win rate. His composed leadership and sharp tactical acumen have left an enduring legacy in Indian cricket.
Also Read: From Sourav Ganguly to Ajinkya Rahane: Full List of KKR Captains in IPL History
Rahane’s Record as Captain in the IPL
Rahane has led in 25 IPL matches between 2017 and 2019, captaining both Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS). His captaincy record stands at 9 wins and 16 losses, with a win percentage of 36%. Under his leadership, RR reached the playoffs in the 2018 season but fell short of the final.
In 2017, Rahane stepped in to captain RPS for one match in place of regular skipper Steve Smith, who was sidelined due to food poisoning. Rahane had been a standout performer for RPS during his time with the franchise, particularly in the 2016 season, where he emerged as the team’s leading run-scorer.
During his two seasons as RR captain, Rahane led the team in 24 matches, though his tenure was marked by challenges. By the 2019 season, due to inconsistent performances, he was replaced as captain mid-tournament by Smith. Despite a modest win record, Rahane’s calm demeanor and contributions as a key player left a positive mark on both teams.
Also Read: Ajinkya Rahane Shares His First Reaction After Becoming KKR’s Captain for IPL 2025
