Explained: Why Venkatesh Iyer Was Not Picked As KKR’s Captain For IPL 2025?

Jatin

Venkatesh Iyer has been named KKR's vice-captain [Source: @LoyalSachinFan/x.com]Venkatesh Iyer has been named KKR's vice-captain [Source: @LoyalSachinFan/x.com]

The high-octane IPL 2025 season is almost here and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have made a massive call by appointing Ajinkya Rahane as their captain. While many expected Venkatesh Iyer to take charge, the defending champions instead handed him the vice-captain's role.

KKR’s decision may have surprised some fans, especially since they splashed INR 23.75 crore to acquire Venkatesh Iyer which made him one of the most expensive buys in IPL history. But captaincy isn’t just about the price tag, it’s about leadership, experience and temperament.

Let's take a closer look at why KKR appointed Ajinkya Rahane captain ahead of Venkatesh Iyer.

1. To Let The Big Guy Play Without Baggage

Captaincy can be a blessing or a burden. While some players thrive under pressure, others feel weighed down. KKR wants Iyer to play his natural game which is to attack from ball one, take on bowlers and turn games around single-handedly.

When you’re leading a team, you’re not just thinking about your own game, you’re thinking about 11 players, strategies, field placements, bowling rotations and match-ups. That’s a lot to handle.

KKR knows Venkatesh Iyer is at his best when he’s fearless and giving him the extra responsibility of captaincy could clip his wings. By keeping him vice-captain, they’ve freed him up to be the match-winner he is.

2. Learning From A Seasoned Campaigner

Captaincy is not just about making bowling changes and setting fields. It is about handling pressure, reading the game and making the right decisions at crunch moments.

KKR’s new skipper, Ajinkya Rahane has been there, done that. He’s led India in Test cricket, captained IPL teams and knows what it takes to handle high-pressure situations.

On the other hand, Iyer hasn’t captained a big team before. KKR sees him as a future leader, but they want him to learn from Ajinkya Rahane first. Watching an experienced player manage a team from the inside is the best crash course in leadership.

3. Lack Of Captaincy Experience

Let’s face it, Iyer has never led a major team before. Even in domestic cricket, he wasn’t the skipper of Madhya Pradesh as that role went to RCB captain Rajat Patidar.

Leading a top IPL team isn’t just about being a good player. It’s about knowing when to attack, when to defend and how to manage egos in a dressing room full of international stars.

KKR didn’t want to throw him into the deep end too soon. Instead, they are giving him a leadership role where he can grow without being overwhelmed.

4. The Huge Price Tag

Being one of the the most expensive IPL players at INR 23.75 crore comes with a truckload of expectations. Every move Iyer makes will be analyzed, debated and heavily scrutinized.

The last thing KKR wants is for him to feel double the pressure: one as a high-priced match-winner and another as a leader. If he had been made captain, the spotlight would have been even harsher. One bad match, and the criticism would’ve been relentless.

By appointing him vice-captain, KKR has given him a chance to focus on justifying his price tag with performances rather than worrying about tactical decisions.

5. Rahane's Experience

KKR won IPL 2024 with a settled squad and a calm mindset. The franchise didn’t want to disrupt the balance by putting an inexperienced captain in charge. 

Rahane is a safe choice as he’s been in the IPL for years, he’s captained before and he has a cool, composed temperament.

At the same time, KKR knows that Iyer is a big part of their future. That’s why they made him vice-captain so he can learn leadership skills while still focusing on his game.