Ajinkya Rahane, a seasoned cricketer known for his calm and composed approach, is gearing up for a new chapter in his IPL journey with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). As the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season approaches, Rahane has expressed his enthusiasm about working with former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who has joined KKR as part of the coaching staff.
Rahane’s Journey in the IPL
Ajinkya Rahane has been an integral part of the IPL since its early seasons. Over the years, he has played for multiple franchises, including Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and now KKR. Known for his technical proficiency and ability to anchor an innings, Rahane has been a reliable top-order batsman.
| Team | Years Played | Matches | Runs Scored | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan Royals | 2011-2015, 2018-2019 | 100+ | 3000+ | 35.0 |
| Rising Pune Supergiant | 2016-2017 | 30+ | 900+ | 30.0 |
| Delhi Capitals | 2020 | 9 | 113 | 14.12 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 2023-2024 | 25+ | 600+ | 30.0 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 2025 | – | – | – |
With this vast experience, Rahane brings leadership and stability to KKR’s batting lineup. His ability to adapt to different playing conditions and his mentorship qualities make him a crucial asset to the team.
The Bravo Influence: What It Means for KKR
Dwayne Bravo, a legendary all-rounder and one of the most successful T20 cricketers, has transitioned into coaching after retiring from professional cricket. His appointment as KKR’s assistant coach brings a wealth of experience, particularly in T20 strategy and finishing techniques.
Rahane’s excitement about working with Bravo stems from the latter’s deep understanding of T20 cricket dynamics. Bravo has been instrumental in mentoring young players and refining their skills, and Rahane sees this as an opportunity to further enhance his game.
| Dwayne Bravo’s IPL Career Stats | Figures |
| Matches Played | 161 |
| Runs Scored | 1560 |
| Batting Average | 22.60 |
| Wickets Taken | 183 |
| Economy Rate | 8.38 |
Strategic Role at KKR
Rahane is expected to play a pivotal role in KKR’s batting order. His ability to provide a solid start and build partnerships will be crucial, especially with big hitters in the middle order. With Bravo’s guidance, Rahane could refine his T20 skills, particularly in accelerating scoring during crucial phases of the game.
KKR has always been a team that values experience alongside young talent, and Rahane’s presence adds to that balance. Bravo’s insights into T20 cricket, particularly his death bowling expertise, could help Rahane develop new approaches against fast bowlers in the final overs.
Strengthening KKR’s Middle Order
With the IPL evolving rapidly, KKR aims to bolster its middle order and finishing capabilities. Bravo, having been a premier finisher himself, can help players like Rahane, Rinku Singh, and Venkatesh Iyer develop their game further.
| KKR’s Key Middle-Order Players | Role |
| Rinku Singh | Finisher |
| Venkatesh Iyer | All-rounder |
| Andre Russell | Power-hitter |
| Ajinkya Rahane | Anchor |
Rahane’s Views on KKR’s Coaching Setup
Rahane has praised KKR’s coaching staff, which includes renowned figures like Gautam Gambhir, who rejoined the franchise in a leadership role. He believes the combination of experienced coaches and young talents will create a formidable squad for the upcoming season.
The 2025 IPL season will be an exciting one for Rahane as he looks forward to working under Bravo’s guidance. With KKR aiming to secure another IPL title, the collaboration between Rahane and Bravo could play a key role in shaping the team’s success.
