The stage is set for the highly anticipated opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Defending champions KKR will be led by the experienced Ajinkya Rahane, who boasts an impressive track record in the league and the sport as a whole. What’s more, Rahane is on the cusp of achieving a remarkable feat in the IPL’s inaugural match – one that even legendary captains like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma haven’t accomplished. He’s poised to become the first captain in IPL history to achieve this distinction.
Rahane’s journey to the captain’s role is a fascinating one. Initially, he went unsold on the first day of the IPL auction, only to be picked up by KKR on the second day at his base price of 1.5 crores. The team’s decision to appoint him as captain ahead of the season has raised eyebrows, and now, as he takes to the field against RCB on March 22, he’s all set to etch his name in the record books.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Rahane will become the first Indian captain to lead three different teams in the IPL. This feat has only been achieved by three foreign players so far – Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Australia’s Steve Smith. Sangakkara has led the Punjab Kings, Deccan Chargers, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Jayawardene has captained the Punjab Kings, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, and Delhi Capitals. Smith, on the other hand, has been at the helm of the Pune Warriors India, Rajasthan Royals, and Rising Pune Supergiant. Rahane, having already led the Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant, will now add KKR to his list.
As captain, Rahane has a mixed record, with 9 wins and 16 losses in 25 matches across his stints with the Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant. However, his experience and leadership skills will undoubtedly be invaluable to KKR as they seek to defend their title. The stage is set for an exciting encounter at the Eden Gardens Stadium on March 22, with the match scheduled to start at 7:30 PM and the toss taking place at 7:00 PM. Will Rahane’s KKR emerge victorious, or will RCB spoil the party? Only time will tell.