Once kkr

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have named veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane as their new skipper for 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The three-time IPL winners have also appointed all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer as their vice-captain.

Rahane, the senior-most India player in the KKR set-up, now steps into the role left by Shreyas Iyer, who led the franchise to IPL 2024 triumph in Chennai. Iyer, though, wasn’t retained by the franchise and will now captain Punjab Kings in IPL 2025.

“It’s an honour to be asked to lead KKR, which has been one of the most successful franchises in the IPL. I think we have an excellent and balanced squad. I look forward to working with everyone and taking up the challenge of defending our title,” said Rahane in a statement issued by the franchise on Monday.