The answer, however, appears to be clear. Based on Ajinkya Rahane's own words in his retirement message, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain has also retired from the IPL and all other forms of cricket. That means KKR will have to appoint a new captain ahead of the next IPL season.
The biggest indication came when Ajinkya Rahane said: "Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats."
Another line from his farewell message further reinforces that interpretation. While thanking those who had supported him throughout his career, Rahane specifically acknowledged every IPL franchise he represented.
By thanking every IPL franchise as part of his farewell speech, Ajinkya Rahane appeared to bid goodbye not only to international cricket but also to his IPL journey. With that, KKR are now expected to head into IPL 2027 with a new captain after Rahane led the side during the last couple of seasons.
Who will become KKR captain after Ajinkya Rahane's retirement?
The left-handed batter is already the vice-captain of the franchise and has established himself as one of KKR's most dependable performers over the last few seasons. Since making his IPL debut, Rinku has played 73 matches, scoring 1,394 runs at an average of 34.00 and an impressive strike rate of 145.96. His consistency has been particularly notable in pressure situations, making him one of the team's most valuable finishers.
Apart from Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell and Sunil Narine are the only other players in the current KKR squad with captaincy experience. Powell has led the West Indies in white-ball cricket, while Narine has captained in franchise competitions. However, considering Rinku's vice-captaincy role and his long association with the franchise, he is widely expected to be the frontrunner for the position.
Ajinkya Rahane's KKR and IPL journey
It marked Ajinkya Rahane's second stint with KKR. He had previously represented the franchise in IPL 2022, scoring 133 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 103.90. Following that season, he revived his T20 career with Chennai Super Kings, where he enjoyed an outstanding IPL 2023, scoring 326 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 172.48. Although his form dipped in IPL 2024, when he managed 242 runs before being released by CSK, KKR eventually brought him back and entrusted him with the captaincy.
Overall, Rahane leaves the IPL as one of the league's most experienced batters. Across 212 matches, he scored 5,367 runs at an average of 30.15 and a strike rate of 125.60. His IPL career included two centuries, 35 half-centuries, and a highest score of 105 not out, while representing Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.
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