3 reasons why KKR signing Ajinkya Rahane for IPL 2025 could prove to be a masterstroke

Team India discard Ajinkya Rahane has reinvented himself, making waves in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Rahane, who is often not considered a pure T20 batter, has proven that he still has it to perform in the shortest format consistently.

Ajinkya Rahane's fireworks have helped Mumbai reach the final of the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Most recently, he scored a scintillating 98-run knock against Baroda in the semi-final while chasing 159. His innings came off just 56 balls, including 11 fours and five sixes at a strike-rate of 175, which helped Mumbai seal a comfortable six-wicket win and a place in the final.

Notably, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired Rahane's services earlier at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction for a price of just INR 1.5 crore. In hindsight, this could very well turn out to be a steal buy for the defending champions.

That said, here are three reasons why KKR signing Rahane for the upcoming IPL season could prove to be a masterstroke.

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#3 KKR needs a new captain and Ajinkya Rahane could be their answer

Kolkata Knight Riders let go of Shreyas Iyer, who captained them to their third IPL title last season. Ahead of the 2025 season, it is still unclear as to who will captain the side.

While Ajinkya Rahane was looked upon as an option after the auction, his performances in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy might strengthen his case.

In Rahane, KKR could find an experienced Indian leader who comes in with captaincy experience both at the international and domestic levels. Even if Rahane is not named their captain, his presence in the side will benefit a younger captain, who can be guided and groomed by the Mumbai batter.

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#2 The Eden Gardens pitch will suit Rahane

Kolkata Knight Riders play their home matches at the Eden Gardens in the IPL. The Eden Gardens is considered among the better batting surfaces and is usually a batting-friendly wicket in the shortest format.

The surface is usually flat and with true bounce, making it conducive for strokeplay. While spinners do tend to play a role on this surface, Ajinkya Rahane is someone who is well-equipped to play spin.

The conditions at this venue will suit Rahane, who could thrive if he continues to bat the way he has in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

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#1 Excellent T20 form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Ajinkya Rahane has to be lauded for how he has taken on the challenge and reinvented himself in T20 cricket. His hunger to succeed is evident in how has been batting in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

He is the leading run-getter in the tournament, having amassed 432 runs from just seven innings at a staggering average of 61.71 and a stellar strike-rate of 169.41. He has performed consistently, scoring five half-centuries with a top score of 98.

Should Rahane carry his brilliant form into the IPL as well, his signing could definitely turn out to be a masterstroke for the defending champions.