Nineteen days before to the 2025 IPL season, it was reported that the short-statured yet lion-hearted Mumbaikar will be the new captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders. Rahane returned to KKR after a disappointing three-year absence. The veteran was shaken by hardship during a lonely summer at the Knights' home. Rahane was a supporting member of a weak team during a season that ended badly for KKR. Among the difficulties the former India captain experienced was a hamstring issue that limited his ability to play. His commitment to the sport remained constant in spite of these failures. 

A year later, Rahane joined CSK and pulled off a stellar season with the best strike rate of his career, and won the IPL as well. And now in 2025, he is not just a mere player, he is the leader.