IPL 2026: Ajinkya Rahane faces crucial KKR leadership test
Kolkata Knight Riders' strategic decisions surrounding Venkatesh Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane highlight the unpredictable nature of IPL auctions. Despite a hefty price tag, Iyer faltered, while Rahane, picked at base price, emerged as a stable anchor and captain. With KKR seeking a turnaround, Rahane's leadership and batting prowess are crucial for IPL 2026.
KOLKATA : IPL auction strategies can often be puzzling. Take Venkatesh Iyer’s case. Kolkata Knight Riders released him ahead of the 2025 auction, only to buy him back for a staggering Rs 23.
75 crore, signalling big plans for the Madhya Pradesh allrounder who had been a core member of the side since 2021. In contrast, Ajinkya Rahane was picked up almost as an afterthought at his base price of Rs 1. 5 crore on second calling, barely avoiding an IPL snub.
When Rahane was named captain and Iyer his deputy, it seemed like a temporary arrangement before the baton passed. As the season progressed, the roles reversed. Iyer struggled for form and faded from the spotlight, while Rahane seized his lifeline, emerging as KKR’s most reliable batter in an otherwise disappointing campaign.
Iyer appeared weighed down by his price tag and captaincy talk, and KKR eventually released him again, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru signing him for Rs 7 crore for 2026 — a reminder of how quickly patience runs out. The spotlight now firmly returns to the 37-year-old Rahane as he leads KKR again. His consistent batting last season and lack of strong leadership alternatives tilted the balance in his favour.