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Immature Venkatesh Iyer? KKR CEO Explains Why He Named Rahane As Captain For IPL 2025

Soumyajit Dutta

Venkatesh Iyer, Venky Mysore and Ajinkya Rahane [Source: @HustlerCSK/X.com]Venkatesh Iyer, Venky Mysore and Ajinkya Rahane [Source: @HustlerCSK/X.com]

The KKR fans were in a bit of shock and happiness as well when the franchise announced Ajinkya Rahane as their skipper. While the selection hasn't been questioned, Venkatesh Iyer, who has been a loyal member of the franchise since 2021, seemed like a more plausible choice.

Recently, KKR CEO Venky Mysore has highlighted Ajinkya Rahane’s “vast experience” and composure under pressure as pivotal factors in appointing the veteran batter as the franchise’s new captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League season. 

Mysore Explains Choosing Rahane Over Iyer

The defending champions opted for Rahane’s leadership over rising allrounder Venkatesh Iyer, who was named vice-captain, with Mysore stressing the unique demands of the IPL as a key consideration.

“IPL is quite an intense tournament. While we rate Venkatesh Iyer highly, captaincy can be taxing on a younger player. We’ve seen challenges arise for others in similar roles. It requires maturity, a steady hand, and experience, qualities Ajinkya brings in abundance,” Mysore told ESPNcricinfo.

Rahane, 36, boasts a storied IPL career spanning 17 seasons since the league’s inception in 2008. With 185 IPL matches, 195 international appearances, and captaincy stints for India, Mumbai in domestic cricket, and multiple IPL franchises, his credentials stood out. 

Mysore emphasized Rahane’s ability to navigate the tournament’s off-field complexities, from media duties to fostering team cohesion.

“Captaincy isn’t just about on-field decisions. It involves managing diverse personalities, media expectations, and collaborating with coaches. Ajinkya’s two decades of experience, including leading India in 11 games across formats, make him a natural fit.”

Mysore Hints KKR's Future

Venkatesh, reacquired by KKR for a staggering INR 23.75 crore at the 2024 mega auction after being released, had openly expressed his readiness for leadership. However, KKR chose to prioritize his growth under Rahane’s mentorship.

“Venkatesh is undoubtedly captaincy material. His energy, respect within the group, and proactive approach impress us. But we want him to learn without the burden of immediate responsibility. Ajinkya will take him under his wing, they’ll work closely, ensuring a smooth transition for the future.”

Mysore reiterated faith in Rahane’s batting resurgence, noting his “tons of runs” in recent domestic cricket. The CEO also underscored the importance of stability in a squad blending youth and experience.

“Ajinkya’s leadership isn’t just about tactics, it’s about unifying the team. In a high-pressure environment, his ability to extract the best from each player will be crucial. Meanwhile, Venkatesh’s development as a deputy ensures our leadership pipeline remains strong.”

Rahane Aims To Defend Title

Rahane’s appointment marks a remarkable turnaround. Initially going unsold in the 2024 auction, KKR secured him at his base price of INR 1.5 crore during the unsold-player recall round. This will be his second stint with KKR, having played seven games in 2022.

The decision follows the departure of 2024 title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer, who rejoined Punjab Kings via auction. Rahane, renowned for his composed batting and tactical nous, now faces the challenge of defending KKR’s crown.