'It’s always about playing with freedom' - Ajinkya Rahane on changing his batting approach with KKR in IPL 2025

Defending champions KKR announced Ajinkya Rahane as their captain ahead of the IPL 2025 season. The veteran batter will be seen leading the charge following a fantastic season with Mumbai during the 2024-25 domestic calendar.

Though Rahane is known to play the anchor role, especially in the white ball format, the fans witnessed a different side of him in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). Under Shreyas Iyer leading his side, the Ashwi-KD-born played with freedom to end the tournament as the highest run-getter. The ace batter recently opened up on his change in approach, where he scored 469 runs at an average of 58.62 and strike rate of 164.56.

“It was always about being an anchor, and the others would play around me. (But the) The last two-three years, it’s always about playing with freedom, fearless cricket, and go out and back my game, I am trying to do that (play fearless cricket), but it’s (also) about following my processes and routines and staying loyal and truthful to the game," Rahane said while speaking at an event in Mumbai as quoted by News18.

“For me, batting-wise, I am doing well. Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was good for me, I had a really good domestic season. So, I am confident about myself, It is just about staying at the moment, staying calm, and keep backing myself, not to think too much ahead, and not to think about the past. It’s always about improving and enjoying my game," the cricketer added.

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Speaking of KKR, the three-time champions will be starting their IPL 2025 campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22 in the tournament opener at the Eden Gardens. Rahane, who was bought for INR 1.5 crore, will be hoping to carry Kolkata's legacy forward by successfully defending the title in 2025.