Ajinkya Rahane has officially become the latest cricketer to take over captaincy duties for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, adding his name to a prestigious list of leaders who have previously led the franchise.
KKR, one of the most celebrated teams in the IPL, has had a diverse set of captains since the tournament’s inception in 2008. Rahane’s appointment in 2025 marks the continuation of a legacy shaped by Indian and international cricketing stars alike.
Here is the full list of players who have captained Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL:
- Sourav Ganguly – 2008 & 2010
- Brendon McCullum – 2009
- Gautam Gambhir – 2011 to 2017
- Dinesh Karthik – 2018 to 2020
- Eoin Morgan – 2020 to 2021
- Shreyas Iyer – 2022 & 2024
- Nitish Rana – 2023
- Ajinkya Rahane – From 2025*
Rahane, known for his composed leadership and technical finesse, brings vast experience to the role. With KKR aiming for their fourth IPL title after victories in 2012, 2014, and 2024, all eyes will be on how Rahane steers the squad through the season.
His elevation to captain comes at a crucial juncture as KKR looks to build on the momentum of last year’s title win and start their IPL 2025 campaign with stability and seasoned guidance.
