The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to commence on March 22, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens in their opening game. With several key changes in both coaching staff and playing squad, KKR will look to retain their title under a new leadership setup.
Predicted Playing XI for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025
- Quinton de Kock (WK)
- Sunil Narine
- Ajinkya Rahane (C)
- Venkatesh Iyer (VC)
- Ramandeep Singh
- Andre Russell
- Rinku Singh
- Spencer Johnson
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Vaibhav Arora
- Harshit Rana
Key Changes in KKR’s Squad and Management
Ajinkya Rahane Appointed as KKR’s New Captain
KKR have appointed Ajinkya Rahane as their new captain for IPL 2025, replacing Shreyas Iyer, who was released by the franchise and later signed by Punjab Kings as captain. Rahane, a seasoned campaigner with vast experience in leading teams, will now take charge of KKR’s title defense. Venkatesh Iyer has been named vice-captain, offering additional leadership support.
Ottis Gibson Joins KKR as Assistant Coach
KKR have brought in former West Indies pacer Ottis Gibson as an assistant coach, replacing Ryan ten Doeschate, who left to join Gautam Gambhir’s staff in the Indian men’s national team. Gibson, a widely respected coach, has previously served as the head coach of South Africa and West Indies and as a bowling coach for England and Bangladesh.
Gibson joins a strong KKR coaching setup, which includes:
- Head Coach: Chandrakant Pandit
- Mentor: Dwayne Bravo (new addition)
- Bowling Coach: B Arun
- Spin Coach: Carl Crowe
- Analyst: Nathan Leamon
Dwayne Bravo Named KKR Mentor
Following the departure of Gautam Gambhir as KKR’s mentor, the franchise has appointed Dwayne Bravo to take up the role. Bravo, one of the most successful T20 players in history, will provide valuable insights into death bowling and lower-order batting.
KKR’s IPL 2025 Campaign: New Beginnings with a Familiar Core
Despite the changes in leadership and support staff, KKR retain a strong core with Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh forming the backbone of the squad. The inclusion of Quinton de Kock at the top gives them an aggressive opening option, while the bowling attack led by Spencer Johnson, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Harshit Rana promises a mix of pace and spin.
KKR will look to make a strong statement in the tournament opener against RCB on March 22, aiming to build on their title-winning momentum from last season.
