After splurging hefty money on him during the mega auction, it was expected that KKR would appoint Venakesh Iyer as the skipper of the side for the 2025 IPL season. However, in a surprise move, the Kolkata-based franchise is set to appoint an experienced player as the skipper.

Rahane, who had previously played for KKR in 2022, had been bought at his base price of Rs 1.5 crore by defending champions during the final round of bidding in the IPL mega auction in Jeddah.

Ajinkya Rahane was asked to hand over Mumbai's T20 captaincy to Shreyas Iyer ahead of SMAT, ironically "Aju" will now lead KKR after Iyer helped them win the IPL trophy last season

Ajinkya Rahane, bought for ₹1.5 crore, set to lead KKR in IPL 2025, sidelining ₹23.75 crore purchase Venkatesh Iyer. Can Rahanes experience guide the champions?

Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane is set to be named the next captain of Kolkata Knight Riders for the Indian Premier League 2025 season, according to a report from TOI.

Kolkata Knight Riders shelled out a massive price for Venkatesh Iyer, who fetched INR 23.75 crore. Iyer has played 51 matches for KKR since his debut back in 2021.

Venkatesh Iyer returns to Kolkata Knight Riders for a record-breaking Rs 23.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. A bidding war erupted between KKR, Luckn

The 36-year-old batter, who was bought by KKR at his base price of INR 1.5 crore in the recent auction, is set to take on the leadership role following the departure of Shreyas Iyer.

KKR made several shocking calls in the lead-up to the mega auction by not retaining the two Iyers, including their captain Shreyas, who will now play for Punjab Kings from IPL 2025 onwards.