Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made a surprising move ahead of IPL 2025 by appointing Ajinkya Rahane as their new captain. The franchise, which secured its third IPL title under Shreyas Iyer last season, decided to release him before the mega auction and did not attempt to retain him. With just 15 days remaining for IPL 2025, Rahane has already grabbed headlines with a stunning 265-run knock, showcasing his batting prowess ahead of the tournament.

Rahane's Record-Breaking Innings Against Hyderabad

Ajinkya Rahane delivered a stellar performance in a Ranji Trophy Super League 2009 match against Hyderabad, scoring an unbeaten 265 runs off 382 balls. His innings, which lasted 464 minutes, included 23 fours and 2 sixes, making it one of the most remarkable performances in first-class cricket.

With 201 first-class matches under his belt, Rahane has amassed over 14,000 runs at an average of 45, including 41 centuries and 59 half-centuries. However, his highest first-class score remains the remarkable 265* against Hyderabad, a feat he will cherish forever.

How Will Rahane Lead KKR?

Following his stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he embraced a more aggressive batting approach, all eyes will be on Rahane to see if he continues with this style as KKR captain. His leadership and batting will be key factors in KKR's campaign this season.

Match Result: Hyderabad vs Mumbai Ends in a Draw

Despite Rahane’s heroics, the Hyderabad vs Mumbai match ended in a draw. Hyderabad posted 266 runs in their first innings, while Mumbai declared at 521/2. In response, Hyderabad scored 276/6 in their second innings, leading to a drawn match.

Conclusion

Rahane’s appointment as KKR captain has set the stage for an exciting IPL season. His ability to anchor innings and play aggressive cricket will be crucial for KKR’s performance in IPL 2025. Cricket enthusiasts are eager to see how he takes on the challenge and leads the team to potential glory.