IPL 2025 mega auction: KKR sign Ajinkya Rahane at his base price

Ajinkya Rahane scored 242 runs for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024.

Veteran Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane is widely regarded as one of the most technical batsmen in the Indian circuit. Nicknamed “Jinx,” Ajinkya was a vital part of the Indian test team for years, contributing to some of the most remarkable triumphs on foreign soil.

Rahane made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in 2008 for Mumbai Indians (MI). The Mumbai-born right-hander has scored 6383 runs in 262 games with a strike rate of 122 in his T20 career. He is also one of the best fielders in the country.

Kolkata Knight Riders buy Ajinkya Rahane for INR 1.5 crores

Ajinkya Rahane will join Kolkata Knight Riders for a salary of INR 1.5 crores for IPL 2025. Rahane, who was unsold on the first day of the mega auction, was finally sold during the accelerated auction process on the second day for his base price.

Rahane will add depth to the batting reserves of KKR.

Ajinkya Rahane previously in the IPL

Rahane began his IPL journey with MI before moving to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2011. A move to the Royals worked as a turning point in Rahane’s career, establishing him one of the dependable openers in the league.

Known for his sweet timing, Rahane experienced his breakout season in 2012, scoring 550 runs including his maiden IPL century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

His career took a hit during the 2016-17 season where he lost his touch playing for Rising Pune Supergiants. Rahane has represented six franchises in the IPL – Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals (DC), Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Rahane joined Chennai in 2023 scoring 326 runs in his first season with the franchise. Having represented multiple franchise Rahane’s salary peaked in 2017 with RPS when he was retained for INR 9.5 crores. He played for CSK in 2023 and 2024 for INR 50 lakhs.

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