Defending champions KKR may suffer a huge set-back in the 2025 IPL after electing to give veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane the reins for the forthcoming season. This was announced a week ago and was attributed by KKR CEO Venky Mysore to Rahane’s experience and his ability to perform well in tournaments where pressure prevails.
Less than a week from the 18th season of the IPL commencing, former KKR cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised eyebrows regarding a possible ‘captain-batter’ conundrum that can affect the team’s performance. In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Chopra admitted to the rationale in choosing Rahane but pointed out that Rahane will only be used to his best by featuring in the top order.
What Will Be Ajinkya Rahane’s Batting Position?
When questioned regarding Rahane’s place in the batting order, Chopra identified the main problem which was who will be KKR’s opening pair. Since Sunil Narine was excellent as an opener in the previous season, he is likely to keep his place along with wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock. Ideally, vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer should be placed at No. 3, but in order to maximize his own batting, Rahane could have to occupy that spot.
KKR To Face Biggest Challenged This Season
“For Shreyas Iyer, they’ve got a domestic middle-order batter, who recently helped his side win the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He is in good form. But I do understand because KKR’s biggest challenge this season is the ‘captain-batter’ conflict that Rahane will face. For Rahane the batter, the best thing to do is open at Eden Gardens. Or else, bat at No. 3. Anything lower kills his chance to contribute significantly because he needs the powerplay,” he said.
Sunil Narine’s Spot Non-Negotiable
“That is the conflict. Sunil Narine will open and he will open with Quinton de Kock if he is in the team. Now will they tell Narine not to open after the runs he scored last season? Of course, he will open. So, No. 3, which is ideally the position for Venkatesh Iyer, is the best you can do for Rahane. Or else he will have to forgo his own ambitions as a batter,” he added.
Aakash Chopra Hails Rahane At No.3
Indian legend Harbhajan Singh also voiced the opinion expressed by Chopra that No. 3 was where Rahane should play, but he did have an added observation that, if KKR were to be unable to fit Rahane at the top order, the team would have perhaps done better giving either Narine or Iyer the captain’s job.
“Rahane’s best chance is at No. 3, because the openers are fixed. If KKR have picked Rahane only for captaincy, then I feel that could have been done by someone else like Narine, Iyer or Russell,” he added.
While KKR prepares for the new season, its management will need to maintain the correct balance between leadership and batting assignments so as not to compromise Rahane’s captaincy in favor of team performance.
