Ajinkya Rahane was at his absolute best in Mumbai’s quarterfinal clash against Vidarbha in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as he smashed a whirlwind 84-run knock in Alur. The veteran went all guns blazing right from ball number one of the run-chase and set up the stage for a perfect yet nail-biting finish for Mumbai. Rahane, who is already a frontrunner to become KKR’s next captain in IPL 2025, further strengthened his case with his knock in SMAT, creating a headache for the franchise.
Rahane adds to KKR’s captaincy headache with SMAT fireworks
Rahane top-scored for the side with a 84-run knock that was studded with 10 fours and one six. The veteran was at his aggressive best, striking at 160.98. Mumbai’s openers Shaw and Rahane stitched together a 84-run opening partnership before Vidarbha managed to get their first breakthrough. The half-century against VID in the SMAT quarterfinals was Rahane’s fourth in the tournament.
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Reports had earlier stated that Rahane was “90% confirmed” to be KKR’s new captain in IPL 2025. Meanwhile, speculations are also rife about the team’s Rs 23.75 cr buy Venkatesh Iyer becoming the next skipper. Iyer also had a decent outing in the SMAT quarterfinals as he was named Player of the Match for his 38-run knock and his spell of 2/23.
With KKR’s two potential future captains firing in the domestic tournament, the franchise’s headache over choosing the next skipper has just intensified. While Iyer has already stated that he is open to taking over the reins of the team, reports had also stated that Rahane was purchased simply because he was a viable option for captaincy. Rahane was bought by KKR for his base price of Rs 1.50 cr in IPL 2025 auction after being released by CSK. KKR are looking for a new captain after having released Shreyas Iyer ahead of the mega auction.
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