KKR Yet to Announce New Captain Ahead of IPL 2025
With IPL 2025 set to kick off on March 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are still undecided about their new captain. Following the release of Shreyas Iyer, who has now taken up the leadership role at Punjab Kings (PBKS), KKR is evaluating potential candidates for the captaincy. Among the top contenders is Venkatesh Iyer, the dynamic allrounder from Madhya Pradesh, who was retained for INR 23.75 crore (US$ 2.83 million) in the recent auction. Alongside him, Ajinkya Rahane, former India captain, is also in the mix.
Venkatesh Iyer Ready to Take on Captaincy
Although Iyer has never captained in competitive cricket, he has expressed enthusiasm about the challenge. In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, he confidently stated:
“Definitely. Definitely, I’m ready. Captaincy is just a tag; leadership is what truly matters. You don’t need an official title to be a leader. Setting an example, being a good role model on and off the field, and ensuring a positive team environment is what leadership is about.”
The 30-year-old cricketer emphasized that his presence in the Madhya Pradesh team has already been influential despite not being the official captain. He values a culture where every player, regardless of their price tag or experience, has the freedom to voice their opinions. He added that if the KKR captaincy were offered to him, he would gladly accept it without hesitation.
A Crucial Player in KKR’s Journey Since 2021
Since making his IPL debut in 2021, Iyer has been a key part of KKR’s success. That season, KKR had a disastrous start with four losses in six matches, but a dramatic turnaround saw them win seven out of the next nine games, securing a spot in the final. Iyer played a major role in that comeback, making an impact as an opening batter. Over the years, his role has evolved—he has shifted to No. 3 and lower in the batting order and has even contributed with the ball when required.
Across 51 matches, Iyer has accumulated 1,326 runs at a strike rate of 137, making him an invaluable asset for the franchise. KKR remains the only IPL team he has played for, further strengthening his bond with the squad.
Delay in Captaincy Announcement Due to Domestic Schedule
One reason KKR has delayed announcing their new captain could be the busy Indian domestic cricket calendar. During the mega auction in November, Iyer was actively competing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where Madhya Pradesh finished as runners-up to Mumbai. The Ranji Trophy season followed, with the final scheduled for February 26.
Iyer acknowledged KKR’s decision to give players space to focus on domestic cricket. He appreciated the management for allowing them to stay engaged in domestic commitments before addressing IPL matters. “It’s good that they’re not rushing things. When the time comes, we’ll see what happens,” he said.
Who Will Lead KKR in IPL 2025?
With the IPL season fast approaching, KKR is expected to make a decision soon. Will Venkatesh Iyer be handed the responsibility? Or will they go with an experienced name like Ajinkya Rahane? The answer remains uncertain, but Iyer’s eagerness and commitment make him a strong candidate for the leadership role.(cricket betting sites)