Defending IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who lost their trophy-winning captain Shreyas Iyer to Punjab Kings in the recent Mega Auction, is likely to ask their experienced 36-year-old batter to lead the team in the upcoming season. According to a media report, Shah Rukh Khan's KKR has decided to ask former Rajasthan Royals skipper Ajinkaya Rahane to captain the side.
It was earlier rumoured that batting all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought back by the Kolkata outfit for Rs 23.75 crore, was likely to be appointed as the new captain. Iyer, who started off as a rookie, has become an integral part of the KKR setup. However, the new report claims that the KKR management is convinced that an experienced campaigner like Ajinkya Rahane can lead the in-form squad effectively in the coming season.
ALSO READ | IPL Mega Auction: A look at the complete team lists
Ajinkaya Rahane had no takers in the first round of the auction but was then bought by KKR for his base price of Rs 1.5 crore. A source close to the IPL champions was quoted as saying by the Times Of India (TOI) that the former CSK star was brought on board with the captaincy option in mind. As things stand, it is 90% certain that the Maharashtra batter will be leading KKR, the daily added.
Ajinkya Rahane, who is Mumbai's Ranji Trophy skipper, was replaced by Shreyas Iyer as the captain of the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) by the Mumbai Cricket Association. Ironically, it seems like he is destined to get Iyer's armband at KKR.
ALSO READ | Is IPL auction snub the jolt Prithvi Shaw needed to rise to his true potential?
Having made his debut in 2008, he represented Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals and CSK apart from KKR and Royals. With 4,642 runs from 185 games, at a 123.42 strike rate, Rahane boasts two centuries in the tournament. He led Rajasthan Royals in 2018 and 2019 and also has the experience of leading the national team in the absence of regular captains.
