Ajinkya Rahane, the newly appointed captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for IPL 2025, is likely to bat at number three, according to reports. While KKR could have utilized Rahane as an opener, the team plans to retain Sunil Narine and Quinton de Kock as their opening pair. Rahane is expected to fill Venkatesh Iyer’s role at number three, a position where Iyer found success in IPL 2024. However, KKR intends to experiment with Rahane in this slot for a few games before considering any strategic changes.

Rahane’s performance in recent practice matches at Eden Gardens was underwhelming, scoring 13 (11) and 11 (9) in two games. Despite this, KKR hopes he can replicate his stellar form from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024, where he amassed 469 runs in nine matches at an average of 58.62 with five half-centuries. Interestingly, all these performances came as an opener for Mumbai, showcasing his consistency at the top order.

Rahane’s move to number three will be closely watched as KKR begins their title defense on March 22. With his vast experience and recent domestic success, Rahane aims to lead from the front and adapt to his new batting role effectively.