Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], March 20: Ahead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane expressed his excitement about returning to the franchise. He emphasized that with the entire squad being on the “same page,” the team is well-prepared for a strong title defense.
The Knights were officially presented to their passionate supporters during the Knights Unplugged 2.0 event at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan on Wednesday. The grand event, held before KKR’s opening clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), saw over 5,000 fans dressed in purple and gold, creating an electric atmosphere.
Adding to the spectacle, KKR’s three IPL championship trophies were showcased, celebrating the team’s legacy. The event also featured interactive activities, further deepening the fans’ connection with the franchise.
KKR Leadership and Players Share Their Thoughts
Several key figures from the franchise took the stage, including captain Ajinkya Rahane, vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer, head coach Chandrakant Pandit, team mentor DJ Bravo, and CEO Venky Mysore.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from fans:
“It is really an honor to be part of this franchise. It gives me goosebumps to see the love and support we receive. There is no city like Kolkata—when Eden Gardens fills with purple and gold, their chants truly lift the entire team.”
Returning captain Ajinkya Rahane shared his enthusiasm:
“It is great to be back with KKR and an honor to lead this wonderful franchise with its rich history. We have a very good team this year. For us, it’s about keeping it simple—we have been practicing really well, and everyone is on the same page. It is going to be a great season for us.”
Rahane previously represented KKR in 2022 and was reacquired in the 2024 mega auction for ₹1.5 crores. He joined after two impressive seasons with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he amassed 568 runs at an average of 25.82 and a strike rate of over 147, winning the IPL 2023 title.
Vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer expressed his gratitude towards KKR:
“It is an honor to be called a key player for this franchise with such rich history and legacy. The franchise has shown tremendous trust in me, and I hope this journey continues for a very long time.”
Head coach Chandrakant Pandit reflected on the journey:
“Winning the trophy last year was special. It was not just the players’ achievement, but a victory for the entire franchise, including our staff, owners, and most importantly, our fans.”
Newly appointed team mentor Dwayne Bravo added:
“We are looking forward to this season, winning lots of games, and hopefully defending our trophy. Knight Riders is hugely respected worldwide, and joining this setup was an easy decision when the opportunity came from Venky sir.”
KKR Unveils Retro Black and Gold Jersey
As part of the event, KKR also unveiled a new merchandise collection, including a retro black and gold jersey, inspired by their original colors from the initial IPL seasons.
With a star-studded squad, experienced leadership, and an electrifying fan base, Kolkata Knight Riders are set for an exciting IPL 2025 campaign as they aim to defend their title in style.