Ajinkya Rahane’s IPL Journey: Teams, Role & 2025 Captaincy
Ajinkya Rahane is a well-known Indian cricketer famous for his technical batting and leadership skills. While many see him as a Test specialist, he has made a mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with his adaptability. Over the years, Rahane has played for multiple IPL teams, proving his ability to excel in T20 cricket. In IPL 2025, he is set to captain Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), making his return to the franchise.
- Rahane started his IPL career in 2008 with Mumbai Indians.
- He became a key player for Rajasthan Royals from 2011 to 2015.
- In 2023, he had an explosive season with Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
- KKR bought him in IPL 2025, appointing him as their captain.
Ajinkya Rahane’s IPL Teams & Journey
Rahane’s IPL journey has been full of ups and downs. He started with Mumbai Indians in 2008, but his true impact came with Rajasthan Royals, where he played from 2011 to 2015. He later joined Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) in 2016 before moving back to Rajasthan Royals in 2018.
Rahane’s IPL Team Timeline
| Year | Team | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Mumbai Indians | Made his IPL debut but played only 2 matches. |
| 2009 | Mumbai Indians | Warmed the bench for most of the season. |
| 2011 | Rajasthan Royals | Given the opening role and started showing his class. |
| 2012 | Rajasthan Royals | First IPL century, leading run-scorer for RR. |
| 2013 | Rajasthan Royals | Played several match-winning knocks. |
| 2014 | Rajasthan Royals | Continued as a key player for RR. |
| 2015 | Rajasthan Royals | Became RR’s most reliable batter. |
| 2016 | Rising Pune Supergiant | Moved to RPS due to RR’s suspension, performed well scoring 480 runs in 14 matches. |
| 2017 | Rising Pune Supergiant | Led the team when Steve Smith was unavailable. |
| 2018 | Rajasthan Royals | Came back to RR and captained the team. |
| 2019 | Rajasthan Royals | Scored a century and was RR’s highest run-scorer. |
| 2020 | Delhi Capitals | Transferred from RR but didn’t get many opportunities. |
| 2021 | Delhi Capitals | Retained but played just 2 matches. |
| 2022 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Bought by KKR but couldn’t cement a spot and played 7 matches, scoring 133 runs. |
| 2023 | Chennai Super Kings | Unexpectedly aggressive batting with 326 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 172.49, helped CSK win the title. |
| 2024 | Chennai Super Kings | Played a stabilizing role in the CSK batting lineup. |
| 2025 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Bought for INR 1.5 crore, set to captain KKR. |
Ajinkya Rahane’s Role in His IPL Teams
Rahane has primarily been an opener, known for his stability and classical batting. However, his 2023 IPL season with CSK showed a different side of him. Batting at No.3, he played with an aggressive approach, finishing with a strike rate of 172.49.
Key Skills and Contributions
- Opening Batsman: Strong in building innings and playing long knocks.
- Middle-Order Acceleration: Showed aggressive gameplay with CSK in 2023.
- Leadership: Has captained Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, and now KKR.
- Experience in High-Pressure Games: Performed under pressure in crucial matches.
Ajinkya Rahane’s IPL Auction History
Rahane’s IPL auction journey has seen fluctuating prices over the years. He started with a low price at Mumbai Indians (INR 12 lakh) but later earned INR 9.5 crore with Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017. In 2023, CSK bought him for INR 50 lakh, but after a stellar season, KKR secured him for INR 1.5 crore in IPL 2025.
Rahane’s IPL Salary Timeline
| Year | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2008-2009 | Mumbai Indians | INR 12 lakh |
| 2011-2013 | Rajasthan Royals | INR 20 lakh |
| 2014-2015 | Rajasthan Royals | INR 7.5 crore |
| 2016 | Rising Pune Supergiant | INR 8 crore |
| 2017 | Rising Pune Supergiant | INR 9.5 crore |
| 2018-2019 | Rajasthan Royals | INR 4 crore |
| 2020-2021 | Delhi Capitals | INR 5.25 crore |
| 2022 | Kolkata Knight Riders | INR 1 crore |
| 2023-2024 | Chennai Super Kings | INR 50 lakh |
| 2025-Present | Kolkata Knight Riders | INR 1.5 crore |
FAQs About Ajinkya Rahane’s IPL Team
Q1. Which IPL team is Ajinkya Rahane in for 2025?
A1: Ajinkya Rahane is with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for IPL 2025 and has been named their captain.
Q2. Why did KKR buy Ajinkya Rahane in 2025?
A2: KKR picked Rahane for INR 1.5 crore due to his experience and leadership skills.
Q3. What was Rahane’s best IPL season?
A3: His 2023 season with CSK was outstanding, where he scored 326 runs with a strike rate of 172.49.
Q4. How many teams has Rahane played for in IPL?
A4: Rahane has played for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings.
Ajinkya Rahane’s IPL career has been a mix of stability, leadership, and adaptability. From his early days at Mumbai Indians to captaining KKR in 2025, he has continuously evolved. His return to KKR marks an exciting chapter, and fans eagerly await his performance as a leader and key batsman.