KKR Captain: Legacy and Leadership

KKR has had stellar captains [Source: @KKRWeRule/x.com]

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have always been the team that keeps fans guessing. Some years, they are smashing records left, right and centre, and other times, they are barely hanging on.

However, one thing’s for sure: when it comes to entertainment and star power, no one does it better than KKR. Over the years, the team has had a parade of captains, wh0 have brought their unique abilities to the team.

Let’s rewind and check out KKR captains who have shaped KKR into the team we know today.

History Of KKR Captains

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Iconic Captains Of KKR

Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir [Source: @Hurricanrana_27/x.com]

When Gautam Gambhir became KKR’s captain in 2011, the team was desperate for a turnaround. And the man for the big occasions delivered. Under his captaincy, KKR lifted the IPL trophy twice: first in 2012 and again in 2014. These were the glory days, with Gambhir leading from the front, both as a batter and a skipper

Gambhir was aggressive and fearless. He backed players like Sunil Narine and Robin Uthappa, and they repaid his faith with match-winning performances. His ability to make quick decisions, like shuffling the batting order or using spinners in powerplays, gave KKR an edge. With 69 wins in 122 matches, Gambhir is hands down KKR’s most successful captain.

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer [Source: @Hurricanrana_27/x.com]

Shreyas Iyer took over as KKR’s captain in 2022, and the expectations were sky-high. He didn’t disappoint. In 2024, Iyer led KKR to their third IPL title after beating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. His leadership style was calm and composed, even in high-pressure moments.

Iyer’s greatest strength was his ability to trust his players. He gave chances to rising stars like Rinku Singh and relied on experienced players like Andre Russell to deliver in crunch games. His tactical brilliance, especially with bowling changes and field placements, was a game-changer for KKR. With a win percentage of 58.62, Iyer cemented his place as one of KKR’s top captains. However, he was released by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik [Source: @KKRWeRule/x.com]

When Dinesh Karthik took over in 2018, KKR was in a rebuilding phase. Inspite of that, the veteran stumper managed to lead them to the playoffs in his very first season. Karthik’s leadership wasn’t very animated or aggressive, but it was effective. He focused on building a strong team culture where every player felt valued.

Moreover, Karthik wasn’t afraid to make bold decisions, like promoting himself in the batting order or trusting young bowlers in death overs. Though KKR didn’t win the title under his leadership, Karthik’s steady hand helped the team stay competitive. KKR won 19 out of the 37 matches he captained. However, mid-way during the 2020 season, he relinquished captaincy to focus on his batting and contributing more to the team's cause.

Eoin Morgan

Eoin Morgan [Source: @KnightsVibe/x.com]

Eoin Morgan stepped in as KKR captain during the 2020 season and showed why he’s considered one of the smartest leaders in cricket. In 2021, he took KKR all the way to the final, where they fell short against Chennai Super Kings.

Morgan’s captaincy was all about using data and match-ups. He relied heavily on his spinners, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, who thrived under his guidance. While his win percentage wasn’t the highest, Morgan’s impact on the team’s strategies was unquestionable.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q.1. Who is the KKR captain?

Answer: KKR hasn’t named their captain for IPL 2025 yet. With Shreyas Iyer no longer in the squad, the team is likely to announce their new leader soon.

Q.2. Who will be KKR captain in 2025?

Answer: Reports suggest Ajinkya Rahane will lead KKR in 2025. Rahane’s calm approach and experience make him a perfect choice for the role, especially as the team looks to rebuild. Moreover, he has been in stellar form in T20s recently.

Q.3. Will Rahane play IPL 2025?

Answer: Yes, Ajinkya Rahane is confirmed to play in IPL 2025. KKR picked him up for INR 1.5 crore during the auction and showed their trust in his leadership and batting abilities.

Q.4. Is Ajinkya Rahane retired?

Answer: No, Rahane isn’t retired. While he’s not currently part of the Indian team due to form issues, he’s actively playing domestic cricket and the IPL.

Q.5. How many IPL matches are there in 2025?

Answer: The IPL 2025 season will feature 74 matches, just like the previous seasons. It’s set to start on March 14, 2025, and the final will be played on May 25, 2025. The format remains the same to help players manage their workload.

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