Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has shared his thoughts on Team India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav’s form ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup. He reflected on Suryakumar’s struggles during the home series against England earlier this year, where the skipper endured a poor run with the bat despite India clinching the series 4-1. Suryakumar made just 28 off of the five innings at a strike rate of 116.66, which raised alarm bells.

Rahane, on the other hand, pointed to Suryakumar’s incredible turnaround in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). The Mumbai Indians star scored 717 runs in 16 innings, the most runs ever scored in a single IPL season by a non-opener. The Mumbai Indians player made 717 runs in 16 innings, the most by a non-opener in a single IPL season. His consistency was notable, crossing 25 runs in every outing, and he struck at an impressive 167.91 with five half-centuries to his name.

The former India Test skipper also pointed out that Suryakumar will be heading into the Asia Cup after recovering from a sports hernia surgery. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rahane remarked, "Didn't have a good series against England, but came back to form in IPL with five fifties and finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament with a healthy strike rate. We all know Surya is a dangerous batter. In this format, he has done really well. But it will be interesting to see how he goes about his batting, especially after the surgery.”

Rahane on Surya’s role in Asia Cup

Rahane also praised Suryakumar’s leadership qualities, describing him as a proactive and successful captain. At the same time, he stressed that India’s success in the Asia Cup would heavily depend on the star batter’s runs. He said, “As a captain, he has been fantastic. He is a proactive captain and led the team really well in the past, but I feel, in this Asia Cup, his batting will be really important.”

watch the video here

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So far, Suryakumar has captained India in 22 T20Is, registering 17 wins with a remarkable win percentage of 77.27. He has yet to lose a bilateral T20I series as skipper and will look to continue that streak when India begins their Asia Cup campaign against the United Arab Emirates on September 10 in Dubai.

KKR are reportedly interested in bringing KL Rahul and could make him their captain, as they look to strengthen their squad after a tough 2025 season.

Rahul was the leading run-scorer for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He is a multitasker who can contribute with the bat, behind the stumps, and also bring strong leadership skills. KKR, who need to fill key positions, especially after struggling to find a reliable wicketkeeper and leader last season, might see him as the perfect fit.

The Kolkata Knight Riders are the third most successful team in IPL history. However, despite being defending champions in 2025, they could not make it to the playoffs. They had several poor performances, including a failed chase of 112 against the Punjab Kings.

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KKR May Propose Player Trade or Cash Deal for KL Rahul

Reports suggest that KKR may propose a player trade or a big cash deal to Delhi Capitals to get KL Rahul. Since Shreyas Iyer left after KKR’s title-winning IPL 2024 season, the team has struggled with leadership. Ajinkya Rahane took over as captain in IPL 2025 and batted well, but his leadership did not help the team.

Adding to the uncertainty, Rahane also stepped down as captain of Mumbai in domestic cricket. KKR is unsure if he will be willing to lead the team next season.

🚨KL RAHUL TO KKR🚨

-Reports suggest that Kolkata Knight Riders is likely to propose a player trade or a significant cash offer to the Delhi Capitals in order to acquire KL Rahul.

- https://t.co/DCDJ0x8uwA pic.twitter.com/erzSzvYrU3

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) August 27, 2025

KL Rahul Could Lead KKR in IPL 2026

KKR is considering bringing KL Rahul, a seasoned IPL captain, who can add experience and stability to the team. Sanju Samson, who may leave Rajasthan Royals, is also linked with KKR.

The trade is not certain because the Delhi Capitals may not want to let go of one of their key players. KKR still needs to find a suitable trade package. Chennai Super Kings are also rumoured to be interested in Rahul for a leadership role, adding more competition.

If the trade happens, KL Rahul is likely to become KKR’s captain for IPL 2026. He would bring experience and help the team recover from recent struggles.

Venkatesh Iyer May Be Released for Trade

Venkatesh Iyer, bought for INR 23.75 Crores, may be released to make space for Rahul. KKR does not have enough money for an all-cash deal, but they could trade two players to Delhi Capitals in exchange for KL Rahul. For this deal, the Capitals must also be interested in the two KKR players.

Ajinkya Rahane's future in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is under uncertainty, as the franchise is in search of a new captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) edition, media reports claim. The multi-time IPL trophy-winning side is reportedly interested in KL Rahul, who has leadership experiences and qualities.

Rahul can rescue KKR from multiple issues. Along with the captaincy role, the franchise faced trouble in their keeper-batter slot as both of their overseas players—Rahmatullah Gurbaz and Quinton De Kock—failed to impress. Gurbaz is young and undoubtedly talented; he's been with KKR multiple seasons but has yet to impress the team management. Another issue is that the team needs someone who can pull the crowd—a crowd puller. After the exit of Shreyas Iyer, KKR lacked the star power that Rahul can easily provide. The 33-year-old's ability to adapt to the situation and multitasking skills make him more precise.

Last season, the India international was in outstanding form with Delhi Capitals, scoring 539 runs in 13 matches at a standout average of 53.90. Needless to say, if KKR wants to trade Rahul from Delhi Capitals, then they have to spend multi-crore rupees. According to the latest media updates, KKR may propose a player trade or a big cash deal to Delhi Capitals in order to acquire Rahul.

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KKR to release Venkatesh Iyer?

To generate extra cash for a huge deal, KKR can release some of their big names. KKR bought Iyer from the mega auction for INR 23.75 Crore, making it a record-breaking price for the franchise.

Claims on social media platforms also suggested that by releasing Iyer, KKR can collect the required cash to accomplish KL Rahul's transfer from Delhi Capitals.In IPL 2025, Ajinkya Rahane as a batter performed well, but his captaincy lacked the much-needed flair on the field. 

The Indian team for the Asia cup 2025 was announced on August 19. A 15 member squad was announced by this BCCI’s selection committee. After the squad was selected, there were a lot of apprehensions at the end of fans who were not happy with Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal missing out. As and when the squad was selected former India cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has picked his 11 for the Asia cup 2025.

Rahane has opted Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma to be the openers in the playing 11. Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Jitesh Sharma are placed in the middle order. He has gone for Axar Patel as another all rounding option. In the bowlers slot, he has picked Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav. Rahane was dicey while picking the last bowler and he has gone for two options, either Varun Chakravarthy or Harshit Rana.

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Rahane’s playing 11 for Asia Cup: 

Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana. 

Rahane leaves Samson out of playing XI

It is worth noting that Rahane has missed out on the name of Sanju Samson. He hasn't picked the wicketkeeper batter in the playing 11, who has been part of T20 squad for over one year now. Samson has scored twin centuries while batting at the top of the order. For the unversed, the Asia cup will begin on September 9 and India are placed in the group A alongside Pakistan UAE and Hong Kong.

The former Indian captain, Ajinkya Rahane, has decided to make a massive decision for Mumbai in the domestic cricket ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 season. The 37-year-old has used his social media platform to announce his decision to step down from the captaincy of the domestic team. He led them in the last few seasons but has now made way for the youngsters to come forward.

Ajinkya Rahane has overall smashed 14000 runs in 340 innings of first-class cricket at an average of 45.16 and a strike rate of 53.21 with the help of 41 centuries and 59 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 265 runs. In Test cricket, the right-handed batter grabbed 5077 runs in 144 innings at an average of 38.46 with 12 centuries and 26 fifties.

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“Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour. With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role. I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with Mumbai to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season.” Rahane expressed on socials.

Ajinkya Rahane steps down from captaincy for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy 2025/26

Rahane’s last international red-ball fixture came in July 2023 against the West Indies at the Port of Spain. He featured in the WTC 2023 final against Australia at the Kennington Oval in South London. His last FC encounter, however, came in February this year against Vidarbha.

Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour.

With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role.

I remain fully committed to giving my best…

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) August 21, 2025

“I still want to play Test cricket. I'm passionate about playing Test cricket. I'm enjoying my cricket at the moment. I'm here just for a few days. I carried my trainers and my training clothes so that I can keep myself fit. Our domestic season is starting, so preparations have just begun.” Rahane expressed his wish in London during the Lord’s England vs India Test match.

However, with the young brigade taking on the batting department under captain Shubman Gill and them drawing the Test series 2-2 in England recently, the international door of comeback is slowly closing for the right-handed batter.

The breaking news is expected to come for the Indian cricket team as veteran batter and former captain, Ajinkya Rahane, is reportedly going to take his international retirement. The right-handed batter has been out of the national side for a long time. His last assignment for the India team came in July 2023 during the two-match Test series against West Indies in the Caribbean.

Last month, Rahane was in England during the third Test of India of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, where he informed his desire to be back for the national side in the longest format. But the recent growth of the batting, with the selectors looking for more youngsters in the group, has perhaps shut the door for the Mumbai-born.

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Rahane has smashed 5077 runs in 144 innings of the longest format so far at an average of 38.46 and a strike rate of nearly 50, scoring 26 half-centuries and 12 centuries at the best score of 188 runs against New Zealand in 2016 at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

Ajinkya Rahane expected to take international retirement for India: Reports

Rahane was also a consistent member of the ODI side for India towards the start of his career. The right-handed batter has scored 2962 runs in the ODI format in 87 innings at an average of 35.26 and a strike rate of 78.63, with the help of three centuries and 24 fifties at the best score of 111 runs.

In the shortest format, Rahane has grabbed 375 runs in his 20 appearances of the T20Is at a strike rate of 113.29. However, he continues to be a regular member of the IPL. During the recently concluded 2025 season for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he smacked 390 runs in 12 innings at an average of 35.45.

Rahane captained Mumbai in the last Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, but a few days ago, the selector of the MCA revealed that they would look to see if they could get the veteran into the eleven for this season. That has perhaps pushed the batter to take any such potential decision. Rahane led India in six Test matches and won four of those, with the most memorable one coming at the Gabba during the BGT 2020-21.

KL Rahul was standing on the other end when India lost two successive wickets in the opening over just before the break on the fourth morning of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. He had nothing to do with that action as the tourists needed to bat out five sessions to save the encounter and keep the fifth game at Kennington Oval alive. 

The former Indian captain, Ajinkya Rahane, shed light on the determination and grit the Karnataka-born showed in the middle for three sessions. His knock of 90 runs was so significant that Ben Stokes had to push himself and introduce himself into the attack despite having an injured hamstring and shoulder.

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’90 in the second innings was more special because he had to bat time. You know, India had to bat for five sessions to save the Test match. What he did shows the discipline and hunger, along with the grit, while batting at the crease. Playing that spell or playing that phase out was the most special occasion.’ Ajinkya Rahane, the former Indian captain, expressed on his YouTube channel.

Watch: Ajinkya Rahane reflects on KL Rahul’s 90 during ENG vs IND 4th Test

Even though Rahul smashed a century at Lord’s, the milestone delivery ended up being the turning point for India’s 22-run defeat. He sold his partner, Rishabh Pant, down the river while running between the wickets. The veteran has been going through a routine in his batting as if he were just switching on and off in the stand with the captain, Shubman Gill.

KL Rahul’s gritty 90 at Old Trafford was all about patience and character. Batting last in a Test is never easy.

More on India's brave fightback in the latest episode of Match Notes. pic.twitter.com/kvChZBLlXh

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) July 29, 2025

Rahul, this time, had no obsession with the runs, let alone the landmarks. There was an incident on the fourth evening when he pushed the ball into the covers and didn’t even notice the misfield of Jofra Archer. He hit the ball and started to scratch the surface, allowing the time to flow more in the day’s play.

His 90-run knock, which could have been his third century of the series, ended after an unplayable delivery wrapped him on the pads of Stokes. By then, Rahul had faced 230 deliveries, which is more than one session of the four they needed to play to salvage the draw.

Veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane has backed the inclusion of Arshdeep Singh for the crucial fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, the upcoming match at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting July 23, is a must-win encounter for the visitors. Rahane feels Arshdeep is the ideal replacement if pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is rested as part of his workload management.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rahane explained that Arshdeep’s left-arm angle and ability to swing the ball both ways could be a valuable asset in English conditions. “I think so, yes. If Bumrah is not playing, Arshdeep is the guy. Because in England, you need a left-arm seamer who can swing the ball both ways, and also, with a different angle, he can create that rough for the spinners. So, if Bumrah doesn't play, Arshdeep should play the next one,” Rahane said.

While Arshdeep has not yet featured in the series, he could be in line for a Test debut. However, his availability might be in doubt after suffering a cut on his hand during practice in Beckenham. Should he recover in time, the 26-year-old could be India's new-ball option in place of Bumrah.

Rahane Bats for Kuldeep If Conditions Suit

Rahane also addressed the possibility of bringing in left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in place of Nitish Reddy or Washington Sundar. He stated that if conditions remain similar to the first three Tests, Kuldeep deserves a chance for his wicket-taking ability. “Depending on the condition of the wicket, I feel Kuldeep should play. If the wicket is similar to the last three Test matches, Kuldeep should play because you need guys who can get you those wickets,” he said.

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Highlighting the importance of a balanced attack, Rahane added, “Our batting unit is doing really well. Even if you score 25–30 runs less, that’s okay. But you need people who can get you those wickets. You don't want to depend on your leading fast bowlers every time.” Kuldeep has played just one Test in England, going wicketless at Lord’s in 2018.

The former Indian captain, Ajinkya Rahane, has made a bold request to the current captain, Shubman Gill, and head coach, Gautam Gambhir, before the fourth Test of the five-match series against England. The tourists are behind the series by a 2-1 margin, after their 22-run defeat at Lord’s, and that’s what makes the Old Trafford game a do-or-die contest.

The veteran batter, who hasn’t yet given up on his comeback in the five-day format, revealed that the Blue Brigade should look to add an extra bowler in the eleven for the remaining two Tests against the Ben Stokes-led side. After the defeat at Leeds in the opening game, the Indian management opted for two all-rounders, who provide not only a few overs but also a few runs with the blade.

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‘We all know that Days 4 and 5 get slightly difficult to bat on. It's not easy to score runs. Yes, England bowled well. But I felt India missed an opportunity to get that big score on the board in the first innings. And also, I feel going forward, India should look to add one extra bowler, because you're going to win a Test match or a Test series by getting 20 wickets.’ Rahane expressed on his YouTube channel.

Ajinkya Rahane makes bold request to Shubman Gill for ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester 

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has always believed in the all-rounders, as they come in handy in more than one department. And that plan worked during their 336-run victory in the second game at Edgbaston. Even though its results are temporary, with no solid effect on the longest format yet.

The obvious choice for them to bring a bowler will be the left-arm wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav. But who will they drop? Washington Sundar picked up four wickets in the second innings of the clash at Lord’s, while Nitish Reddy also did his job of picking three wickets and adding a few runs with the bat.

The idea of going with an extra seamer may fall on the conditions in Manchester, which has been cloudy for the last few days. Jasprit Bumrah is likely to feature in this contest, which will be a huge positive for the visiting camp.

The former Indian captain, Ajinkya Rahane, was present at Lord’s during the third day of the third Test between England and India. After enjoying a day at Wimbledon, it was time to see the young generation of Indian batting taking on the England bowlers. Since both veterans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, hung up their boots in the red-ball format, most have forgotten that Rahane has not made an official retirement yet.

And this hasn’t been his aim as of now too. Michael Atherton, who was interviewing with Rahane on Sky Sports Cricket, had nearly made the mistake by putting the phrase ‘former’ to introduce the Mumbai captain. However, the experienced campaign dropped a bombshell by revealing that despite his several attempts, the BCCI selectors have refused to respond to him.

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“Frankly, I tried to have a conversation with the selectors, but I didn't get any response from them.” Rahane opened up after making the statement of ‘Not at all thinking of giving up on playing Test cricket for India. First of all, happy to be here. I still want to play Test cricket, and I am passionate about playing this format.’

‘I didn’t get any response’- Ajinkya Rahane drops bombshell on Indian selectors

It’s crazy how both he and Cheteshwar Pujara had been out of the Indian side for the five-day format for a long time, but still have the belief to make a comeback among the spring chickens. The last Test for the Mumbai batter came in Port of Spain against the West Indies in 2023, as the batter eyes to make a strong and dominating performance during the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025/26 season.

🗣️Ajinkya Rahane : "Frankly I tried to have conversation with the selectors but I didn't get any response from them". pic.twitter.com/DJyYuS6M3P

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) July 13, 2025

‘I am here for a few days, and I have carried my trainers and training clothes so that I can keep myself fit. Our domestic season is starting, so the preparation has just begun.’ Rahane, who has notched up 5077 runs in 144 innings at an average of 40 and a strike rate of just under 50 with 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries at the best score of 188 in Indore against New Zealand, informed.

India have struggled at number three against England. It’s not a suitable position for Rahane in Tests, but if he starts making truck-loaded runs, the selectors may turn to the veteran for one last opportunity.