# Cricket: Veteran top-order batter Ajinkya Rahane will captain the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, in this year’s Indian Premier League. The 36-year-old takes over after the departure of Shreyas Iyer, who will lead Punjab Kings this year, while Venkatesh Iyer will be Rahane’s deputy at KKR. Rahane says it’s an honour to be asked to lead the team, which he describes as one of the most successful franchises in the IPL. KKR will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match on the 22nd.
Cricket: Veteran Rahane will captain defending champions KKR in IPL this year