IPL2025: Under new management, KKR hopes to win back-to-back championships

Under new management, the reigning champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are redoubling their efforts in preparation for the 2025 Indian Premier League. Head coach Chandrakant Pandit, mentor Dwayne Bravo, vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer, and new captain Ajinkya Rahane recently gave their opinions on the forthcoming season and the team’s preparations during a press conference.

Rahane, who assumes leadership of the defending champs, thanked them for the chance. “Being in charge of this fantastic franchise is an honor for me. Rahane expressed her gratitude to the management for providing her with this chance.

“For me, it is always about keeping it simple…,” the seasoned batter said, acknowledging the difficulty of defending the title while maintaining focus on the near future. This season, we will undoubtedly give it our all.”

Rahane emphasized a team-first approach when asked about his batting position, saying, “I have always played wherever the team wanted me to play.” Priority has always been given to team thinking.

“It would be disrespectful of me to try to change some of the good things from the last season,” mentor Dwayne Bravo said while outlining his strategy for maintaining the team’s success.

Additionally, he conveyed his excitement about working with Shah Rukh Khan, the owner of the team: “Having a boss like Shah Rukh who is undoubtedly very invested in the game is good. I’m going to make an effort to bring that attitude and excitement here as well.”

Working with Bravo excited vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer, who brought a hefty price at the sale. “He’s been the most successful T20 player in history, so he brings a lot of experience to the table,” Iyer added. Experience is the best thing there is. He has participated in and won numerous games for the West Indies and the teams he has represented.

Iyer responded pragmatistically when asked how he manages the strain of his price tag: “It exists. It’s impossible to completely ignore, but it doesn’t really matter once the IPL begins. You are a member of a squad that is competing for a championship and a playing XI.

In an interview, Rahane’s former coach Chandrakant Pandit discussed the team’s preparation for their March 22 debut against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. “Every match is different, and we have been preparing since the Mumbai camp and now we have started the camp here as well… we are going to play as hard as possible.”

Pandit emphasized the confidence derived from foreign experience in relation to the team’s makeup, saying, “The advantage that we’re going to get is the confidence level that they’re going to carry from the international level to KKR.”

Rahane stated: “It’s good to be back at Eden Gardens and we always love to play at Eden Gardens.” The team is excited to play at their home field. the ambiance, vigor, and fervor that each and every fan possesses.”

KKR is well-positioned to defend their crown in the upcoming IPL 2025 season thanks to a solid core of retained players, seasoned leadership, and the support of ardent Eden Gardens supporters.