Ajinkya Rahane, a veteran of Indian cricket and a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has once again showcased his exceptional form, making a compelling case for the team’s captaincy role. Rahane’s blistering 56-ball 98 led Mumbai to a commanding six-wicket victory over Baroda in the semifinal of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, taking them to the final of the prestigious T20 competition.
Rahane’s Fiery Innings Propels Mumbai to the Final
In a high-pressure encounter, Rahane displayed his T20 prowess, chasing down Baroda’s total of 158/7 in just 17.2 overs. Known for his solid technique and reliability in Test cricket, Rahane’s recent transformation into a T20 specialist has been nothing short of remarkable. His innings included 11 boundaries and 5 sixes, with a particularly memorable moment when he struck a six off Hardik Pandya, the world’s top-ranked all-rounder, to bring up his fifty in just 29 balls.
Rahane’s aggressive approach was vital after Mumbai lost Prithvi Shaw early in their chase. The 35-year-old, however, anchored the innings, sharing a crucial 78-run partnership with Mumbai’s captain Shreyas Iyer. Iyer himself played a quickfire knock of 46 off 30 balls, which included four fours and three sixes.
With Mumbai just needing two runs to win, Rahane was on 98 when Baroda pacer Abhimanyu Rajput bowled a wide to deny him the well-deserved century. However, Rahane’s attempt to reach three figures ended in dismissal on the next ball as he went for a big shot and got out. Despite missing a hundred, his knock was crucial in Mumbai’s comfortable victory, underlining his ability to rise to the occasion when needed.
Rahane’s Stellar Form in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
Rahane’s consistent form throughout the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 further strengthens his case for leadership. His scores of 13, 52, 68, 22, 95, 84, and 98 in the competition reflect his adaptability and experience, making him a prime candidate for the KKR captaincy following the departure of Shreyas Iyer, who moved to Punjab Kings after leading KKR to an IPL 2024 title.
KKR’s Leadership Dilemma: Rahane vs. Venkatesh Iyer
While Ajinkya Rahane is a strong contender for the role, KKR also has another option in Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought for a massive ₹23.75 crore at the IPL 2024 auction. However, Iyer’s lack of experience in leadership roles at the highest level might reduce his chances of being handed the reins of the team. On the other hand, Rahane, having led Mumbai to Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup triumphs earlier in the year, has proven his leadership credentials, which could work in his favor.
KKR’s IPL 2025 Outlook: A New Era Post-Iyer
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, the Kolkata Knight Riders are at a crossroads in terms of leadership. With Shreyas Iyer’s departure, the team is looking for a captain who can lead them with composure and tactical acumen. Ajinkya Rahane’s impressive performances, both with the bat and in leadership roles for Mumbai, present him as a potential fit for the job. His calm demeanor, vast experience, and recent form could make him an ideal choice for KKR, ensuring they remain a formidable force in the IPL.
Mumbai’s Win in Semifinal: A Team Effort
While Rahane’s brilliance was the highlight, Mumbai’s victory in the semifinal was a collective effort. The bowlers, led by some disciplined performances, kept Baroda’s batsmen in check. Shahswat Rawat (33) and captain Krunal Pandya (30) could not capitalize on their starts, falling to poor shots. Shivalik Sharma’s quickfire 34* off 24 balls, which included a last-ball six, helped Baroda reach 150+ runs, but it was never going to be enough against Mumbai’s strong batting line-up.
Conclusion: Rahane’s IPL 2025 Captaincy Push
Ajinkya Rahane’s recent performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy have certainly caught the attention of IPL franchises, especially Kolkata Knight Riders. His match-winning 98 in the semifinal has only strengthened his bid for the captaincy. With his leadership experience and exceptional batting form, Rahane could very well take over the mantle from Shreyas Iyer and guide KKR in the upcoming IPL season. His calmness under pressure, combined with his aggressive stroke play, makes him an ideal leader for a team looking to build on its past successes in IPL 2025.
