Ajinkya Rahane is expected to become the first Indian player to captain three IPL teams, according to statistics.

After playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2022, India’s Ajinkya Rahane envisaged himself returning to the team. The seasoned athlete also envisioned himself as the IPL 2025 season’s captain. The right-hander will therefore become the fourth player overall and the first Indian player to captain three different IPL teams. The other players who have captained three IPL teams are Australian batsman Steve Smith and former Sri Lankan captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

On March 22, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season will begin, and the teams have already put together their teams for the two-month cricket competition. Most of the teams underwent significant reorganizations as a result of the November 2024 mega auction.

Here is a list of cricketers who have led three different IPL franchises:

1. Mahela Jayawardene

   • Kings XI Punjab
   • Kochi Tuskers Kerala
   • Delhi Capitals

2. Kumar Sangakkara

   • Kings XI Punjab
   • Deccan Chargers
   • Sunrisers Hyderabad

3. Steve Smith

   • Pune Warriors India
   • Rajasthan Royals
   • Rising Pune Supergiant

Having been named captain of KKR, he is poised to set a new record against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday, the first night of the season.

Ajinkya Rahane brings experience and maturity with him: Venky Mysore, the CEO of KKR

Venky Mysore, the CEO of KKR, explained earlier this week why Rahane was chosen as captain rather than Venkatesh Iyer, who was nominated vice-captain. With all the strain to cope with the obligations to fulfill, Mysore demonstrated how intense an IPL season can be. The administration didn’t want to put Iyer’s young shoulders through all of that.

“The IPL is a very competitive competition. Although we have a lot of respect for Venkatesh Iyer, being a captain may be demanding for a young player. As they move forward, we have witnessed numerous individuals encountering difficulties with it. We sensed that Ajinkya brings a great deal of maturity, expertise, and a very steady hand to the table. We sensed that Ajinkya has a great deal of maturity and expertise, as well as a very steady hand,” Mysore remarked.