IPL 2025 / KKR stuck with Rahane as captain? He doesn't deserve a spot in the playing XI!

IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have appointed Ajinkya Rahane as the captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. However, this decision has become a new challenge for the team, as now questions have been raised about his suitable position in the playing XI.

Questions raised about Rahane's place in the team

Given the batting order of the team, it is not clear at what position Rahane himself will play. Cricket expert Aakash Chopra has taken up the issue seriously and said that despite getting the captaincy, Rahane may have to struggle to cement his place in the playing XI.

Opening slot almost fixed?

According to the report of Ananda Bazar Patrika, the KKR management has planned to give the responsibility of opening to Sunil Narine and Quinton de Kock. Aakash Chopra also supports this idea. Also, he also said that the number 3 position would be best suited for Venkatesh Iyer. In such a situation, the big question arises that which position will Rahane get to bat?

Possible batting order for captain Rahane

Since Rahane is the captain of the team, it will be mandatory to include him in the playing XI. If we discuss the possible options:

Rahane can open - KKR can remove Sunil Narine and send Rahane to open with de Kock. This can give the team the benefit of a right-left hand combination.

Rahane can get a chance at number 3 - Rahane can be fielded at number three in place of Venkatesh Iyer.

Option to play at number 4 - If the above three batsmen are decided, then Rahane can bat at number four.

Challenging strategy for KKR

The situation remains complicated for KKR regarding Rahane's position. The team management will have to take a decision keeping in mind their opening pair, middle order and balance. It will be interesting to see what strategy KKR adopts to fit its captain in the batting order.

KKR's Probable Playing XI (IPL 2025)

Sunil Narine

Quinton de Kock

Venkatesh Iyer

Ajinkya Rahane (Captain)

Ramandeep Singh

Rinku Singh

Andre Russell

Harshit Rana

Varun Chakravarthy

Spencer Johnson

Anrique Norkhia

It will be interesting to see what batting order KKR comes up with in IPL 2025 and where Rahane fits himself.