Ajinkya Rahane has joined the elite 5000-run club in IPL history, becoming the ninth player to achieve the feat. Now leading Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, Rahane continues to impress with both his batting and leadership. His milestone reflects years of consistency, adaptability, and class across multiple franchises in the world's biggest T20 league.
Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has achieved a remarkable feat in IPL 2025 by crossing the 5000-run mark, becoming only the ninth player in the league's history. This landmark highlights his long-standing consistency and valuable contribution to the tournament.
Rahane's IPL career spans multiple franchises, including Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and currently, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His ability to adapt across roles and formats has made him a dependable name in T20 cricket. Rahane kicked things off with Mumbai Indians between 2008 and 2010. In his three seasons there, he didn’t get a lot of chances, playing just 10 games and scoring 148 runs at an average of 18.50. His strike rate was a modest 105.71, with his standout performance being an unbeaten 62.
But things really took off when he moved to Rajasthan Royals in 2011. Over two separate stints (2011–15 and 2018–19), Rahane became one of RR’s most dependable batters. In 93 innings, he piled up 2,810 runs at an average of 34.27, with a strike rate of 122.65. He notched up two centuries and 17 fifties, with a highest score of 105*. That phase remains the peak of his IPL career. During RR’s two-year suspension, Rahane played for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016 and 2017. He kept up his solid form there too, scoring 862 runs in 30 matches at an average of 33.15 and a strike rate of 122.79. He added eight fifties to his name and was part of the team that finished runners-up to MI in the 2017 final.
A move to Delhi Capitals in 2020 didn’t quite go to plan. Across two seasons, Rahane managed only 121 runs in 11 games, averaging just 13.44. His lone bright moment was a 60-run knock — his only fifty in that stint. Then came something of a renaissance. When he joined Chennai Super Kings in 2023, many thought his T20 days were winding down. Instead, Rahane surprised everyone by reinventing his game. Across two seasons, he scored 568 runs in 27 matches at an average of 25.82, but what really stood out was his strike rate — a sharp 147.53. He struck two fifties and played a crucial role in CSK’s setup, showing he still had plenty to offer in the shortest format.
Now at KKR, Rahane continues to be a valuable presence. Since rejoining them in 2025, he’s played 19 matches, scoring 508 runs in 18 innings at a solid average of 29.88 and a strike rate north of 132. He’s already notched up three fifties, with a top score of 61. In IPL 2025, Rahane was handed the leadership role at KKR following Shreyas Iyer's absence. He immediately impacted, scoring a quick-fire 56 off 31 balls in the opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. His composed aggression set the tone for KKR's campaign.
Crossing the 5000-run milestone is no small achievement, especially in a league as competitive as the IPL. Now, Ajinkya Rahane has just joined one of the most elite clubs in IPL history. The experienced Mumbai batter has now gone past the 5000-run mark in the league, becoming only the ninth player ever to do so. With 5017 runs to his name, Rahane averages 30.59 and strikes at 124.89. He now finds himself in legendary company, rubbing shoulders with names like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, David Warner, AB de Villiers, and KL Rahul. Not bad for someone who’s often flown under the radar.
Ajinkya Rahane's inclusion in the 5000-run club cements his place among IPL greats and showcases his resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving T20 format. As he leads KKR in IPL 2025, fans can expect more match-winning knocks from this seasoned campaigner.
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