Kolkata Knight Riders Gear Up for IPL 2025 Title Defense Under New Leadership

Kolkata – Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are setting their sights on back-to-back TATA IPL titles as they enter the 2025 season under new leadership. With experienced batter Ajinkya Rahane taking over as captain, the team is gearing up with renewed determination.

In a recent press conference, Rahane, along with mentor Dwayne Bravo, head coach Chandrakant Pandit, and vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer, shared insights into the team’s preparations and ambitions for the upcoming season.

Rahane Ready to Lead
Rahane, who steps into the leadership role, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “It’s an honor for me to lead this wonderful franchise. I’m really thankful to the management for trusting me,” he said. Acknowledging the challenges of defending the title, he emphasized his straightforward approach, stating, “For me, it is always about keeping it simple. We will give our best this season.”

When asked about his batting position, Rahane maintained a flexible stance, affirming his commitment to the team’s needs. “I have always played wherever the team wanted me to play. Team thinking always comes first,” he added.

Bravo Brings His Winning Mentality
Former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who joins as KKR’s mentor, spoke about maintaining the team’s momentum. “It would be disrespectful to change some of the good things from last season,” Bravo stated.

He also expressed enthusiasm about working with KKR’s co-owner, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. “It’s good to have a boss like Shah Rukh, who is truly invested in the game. That energy and vibe—I’m going to bring that here as well,” Bravo remarked.

Vice-Captain Iyer Looks Forward to the Challenge
Venkatesh Iyer, who secured a significant bid at the auction, is eager to learn from Bravo’s vast experience. “He has been the most successful T20 player in history, and nothing beats experience. He has won so many games for the West Indies and various franchises,” Iyer stated.

On handling the pressure of his price tag, Iyer took a pragmatic approach. “The pressure exists, but once the IPL starts, it doesn’t matter. It’s about being part of the playing XI and helping the team win,” he said.

Coach Pandit Confident in Team’s Preparation
KKR’s head coach Chandrakant Pandit, who has previously worked with Rahane, emphasized the team’s structured preparations. “Every match is different, and we’ve been preparing since our Mumbai camp. Now, we’ve started training here as well. We will play as hard as possible,” he stated.

Speaking about team composition, Pandit highlighted the advantage of international experience within the squad. “The confidence that players bring from the international level will be beneficial for KKR,” he said.

With their opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru scheduled for March 22, the team is eager to return to their fortress—Eden Gardens. “It’s always special to play at Eden Gardens. The atmosphere, energy, and passion of our fans are unmatched,” Rahane added.

With a strong core of retained players, experienced leadership, and the unwavering support of fans, Kolkata Knight Riders are well-equipped to defend their title in TATA IPL 2025.