Shreyas Iyer vs Ajinkya Rahane:  When it comes to reliable Indian middle-order batters in the IPL, Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer are two names that stand out. In IPL 2025, both are leading their respective franchises—Rahane as the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Iyer taking charge of Punjab Kings (PBKS). Both are elegant batters, and both bring different flavors to the game—Rahane with his classic, composed approach and Iyer with his aggressive, stylish shot-making. As PBKS face off against KKR, Let’s do a comparison.

This article compares their performances based on key IPL batting metrics.

Shreyas Iyer vs Ajinkya Rahane Comparison

1. Total Runs Scored

• Ajinkya Rahane: 4,846 runs (191 matches, 177 innings)

• Shreyas Iyer: 3,377 runs (121 matches, 120 innings)

Rahane has the upper hand in terms of overall runs, owing to his longer IPL career. Iyer, however, isn’t far behind and has maintained consistency over fewer seasons.

2. Strike Rate

• Ajinkya Rahane: 124.48

• Shreyas Iyer: 131.25

Iyer has the better strike rate, showcasing his natural ability to find boundaries and accelerate in the middle overs. Rahane’s style is more traditional, often playing the anchor role.

3. Batting Average

• Ajinkya Rahane: 30.48

• Shreyas Iyer: 33.77

Iyer has a slightly better average, which reflects his ability to stay at the crease and build innings under pressure.

4. Fifties and Hundreds

• Ajinkya Rahane: 32 fifties, 2 centuries

• Shreyas Iyer: 24 fifties, 0 centuries

Rahane has more 50-plus scores overall and is one of the rare Indian batters with multiple IPL hundreds. Iyer is still waiting for his maiden century but has a solid number of fifties.

5. Sixes and Fours

• Ajinkya Rahane: 496 fours, 116 sixes

• Shreyas Iyer: 287 fours, 131 sixes

Rahane leads in boundaries, but Iyer edges ahead in six-hitting, which shows his flair for clearing the ropes and adds firepower to the middle order.

Team Influence

Ajinkya Rahane has played for multiple IPL franchises including Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. In 2025, he’s back in a leadership role with KKR. Often used as an opener, Rahane has been a steady hand, particularly in the earlier years of the IPL. Though not the flashiest player, his classical technique and temperament have made him a valuable asset.

Shreyas Iyer, now captaining Punjab Kings, has proven himself as both a dependable batter and an efficient leader. With past stints at Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, Iyer has consistently built strong middle-order cores. His ability to play spin well and rotate strike makes him vital in tough run chases.

Final Verdict

Ajinkya Rahane brings elegance, experience, and composure to the IPL stage, while Shreyas Iyer offers intent, power, and modern-day flair. Rahane may have more runs and longevity on his side, but Iyer’s strike rate and average give him an edge in today’s T20 game. It’s a battle between tradition and transition—both styles valuable, both captains aiming for IPL glory in 2025.

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