IPL 2025: Sunil Narine to Ajinkya Rahane, Take A Look At Likely KKR Captains for Indian Premier League Season 18
Who will be the next captain of KKR arises yet again after another mega auction, just like in 2022. Many big names failed in leading KKR, so let's look at the possible contenders for KKR captaincy in IPL 2025. Stay updated with the latest IPL 2025 updates and insights on IPL betting sites like 42bet, where you can find expert IPL tips for an informed betting experience.
Defending Indian Premier League champions Kolkata Knight Riders released their winning skipper Shreyas Iyer before the IPL 2025 mega auctions. The decision was surprising to many, as they bid very little to get the batsman back, while Iyer signed for Punjab Kings at a whopping 26.75 crores INR and was named their captain later. KKR also had to let go of their legend and mentor Gautam Gambhir, who went on to take the Indian national cricket team coaching responsibility. The three-time IPL winners have a well-balanced side like always, with a lot of big names, some of whom have been a part of the franchise for a really long time.
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The Kolkata-based franchise has been one of the most successful teams in the history of IPL after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. KKR have won three titles, two under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir in 2012 & 2014, while one under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer last season in 2024, where again Gambhir was the mentor. Other than Gambhir and Iyer, the side has also been led by the legend Sourav Ganguly, Brendon McCullum, Eoin Morgan, and Dinesh Karthik for a notable time, and some others for a few games. Many of these big names failed to bear the pressure of leading KKR, so the franchise needs to make the right call to stay on track with the mission of defending the title.
Possible Contenders for KKR Captaincy in IPL 2025
This year, the question of who will be the next captain of KKR arises yet again after another mega auction, just like before IPL 2022. So, let's look at the possible contenders:
Sunil Narine
The spinner has been a part of KKR since 2012. The team has retained him every season, as he has remained the most vital and top-performing player. It's surprising that he hasn't yet led the team. He has always delivered, firstly with the ball, now with both. He is an ideal candidate, as he has been an integral part of the Knight Riders family for over a decade and is also the most consistent and experienced in the squad.
Andre Russell
Russell has been an integral part of the side since 2014. The franchise even kept faith in him when he was banned. Russell continues to be one of the top-performing all-rounders in IPL and T20 cricket as a whole. He has also been a part of other Knight Riders teams worldwide. With his all-round capability, experience with the team, and personality, he is a top contender.
Rinku Singh
The sensational Indian national cricket team middle-order batsman has been a part of KKR since IPL 2018. Initially, he remained on the benches, but with time and KKR's patience & faith, he developed into a reliable batter. Despite becoming one of the most hyped players, he stayed with KKR for a low fee until last year. He was the Knight Riders' first retention. With such a strong bond with the franchise, his experience, and his role in the Indian team, he is one of the favorites. Also, if KKR decides to have an Indian captain to not disturb their foreign core, he can be a good option.
Venkatesh Iyer
The batting all-rounder has been an integral part of the core team since 2021. Now, with Phil Salt & Shreyas Iyer gone, he is expected to have more responsibilities up the order. He was the costliest buy for KKR in the IPL 2025 auction at a whopping 23.75 crores INR. Considering his experience, role in the team, and price tag, he is also a top contender.
Ajinkya Rahane
The former Indian cricket team captain/vice-captain was a part of KKR in 2022. He has been brought back for the 2025 season. Just after the auctions, he regained form in domestic cricket. If he manages to secure a permanent spot in the batting order, he could be a serious contender, given his experience leading the Indian team and some IPL franchises.
Other Possible Candidates
Other big names who can be considered include Manish Pandey and Quinton de Kock. However, their selection as captain is unlikely, as their spots in the playing XI are doubtful due to the quality of batters present.
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