Ajinkya Rahane to be KKR opener in IPL 2025? Mumbai batter turns clock back with quickfire 68-run knock in SMAT

With back-to-back half-centuries to his name in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Rahane has thrown his hat in the ring to be KKR’s opener in IPL 2025

Mumbai cricket team batter Ajinkya Rahane has thrown his hat in the ring for the opener’s role in IPL 2025 with a whirlwind knock in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The veteran, who made a name for himself in CSK in the shortest format of the game in IPL 2024, sizzled in SMAT, making the case for his inclusion as an opener for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025. After making his way to CSK from RR a couple of editions ago, Rahane has rediscovered his form in the shortest format of the game and has impressed with his performances for the Super Kings.

Ajinkya Rahane throws hat in ring to be KKR opener in IPL 2025

With back-to-back half-centuries to his name in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Rahane has thrown his hat in the ring to be KKR’s opener in IPL 2025. The veteran was bought by the franchise for Rs 1.50 cr by the Knight Riders. In the game against Kerala in SMAT, Rahane top-scored with a 68-run knock off just 35 deliveries, including five fours and four sixes. With a strike rate above 194, Rahane proved that he is one of the best opening options for KKR, especaiily after they let Phil Salt go ahead of IPL 2025. KKR’s regulat openers in IPL 2024 included Salt and Sunil Narine. Now, they need to find a new opening partner for Narine, with Salt having gone to RCB.

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Rahane took fans by surprise in 2023 with his aggressive batting approach for CSK. The five-time champions have a reputation for being kind towards the seniors and they gave the batter opportunity after opportunity. Rahane hardly wasted any chances. He was a regular in CSK’s playing XI in 2023 and 2024 and scored 326 and 242 runs respectively.