Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has picked captain Ajinkya Rahane as one of the KKR players with a great opportunity in IPL 2025. While Rahane is known to do a good job in the Powerplay overs, his strike rate considerably dips against spinners after the field restrictions are lifted.
After winning their third IPL title in the 2024 season, KKR could not even qualify for the playoffs in the previous edition. KKR had ended IPL 2025 at the eighth place in the standings with five wins and seven losses and thus, they will be determined to turn the tables in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Rahane was KKR’s highest run-getter in IPL 2025, scoring 390 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 147.72.
“Opportunities are plenty. Maybe Ajinkya Rahane, because I am one of those guys who have been slightly critical that he will have to be played in the powerplay as his role becomes extremely limited after that, but you can prove me wrong,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“It’s an opportunity. Not that you need to prove me wrong. Why would you even bother? However, if you score a lot of runs in the powerplay and after that as well, it’s a great opportunity for you,” he added.
KKR have also appointed Rinku Singh as their vice-captain and Chopra reckons the left-hander can take over the captaincy duties in the 2027 season.
“Rinku Singh is the vice-captain. Could be a potential captain by the next season. So there could be a huge role for him. He is always made to bat down the order. He might get the opportunity to bat slightly up the order this time, and he might flourish,” he said.
Chopra added mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy will look to prove his mettle in IPL 2026.
“It’s time for Varun Chakaravarthy to make people acknowledge his superiority once again because the last four matches in the World Cup were extremely cold. He has to come back to his wicket-taking self,” Chopra observed.
Kolkata Knight Riders will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on 29th March.
