IPL 2022: Possible opening combinations for Kolkata Knight Riders

Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer

Ajinkya Rahane (Getty Images)

While Venkatesh has been a revelation since the second leg of last season's IPL, Ajinkya Rahane has been fading from the competition. This is a classic case of old vs new and will be an interesting opening combination, with Venkatesh going all guns blazing from the start and Rahane in a conservative role and playing through the innings.

KKR took a similar approach with Jacques Kallis under Gautam Gambhir's captaincy but, unlike Rahane, Kallis also contributed with the ball. Playing Rahane will allow KKR to fit wicketkeeper Sam Billings in the middle-order, or an extra all-rounder in Mohammad Nabi.

Rahane's form is a cause for concern, though, as he has scored just one 30+ score in his last ten IPL innings. However, he might have a point to prove to the Indian selectors with his performance in the tournament. Is there any fire left in the veteran's belly?