4 min learnKolkataUp to date: Mar 25, 2026 01:15 AM IST
Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday appointed explosive batter Rinku Singh as their vice-captain for IPL 2026, underlining the franchise’s long-term management plans.
Rinku will help skipper Ajinkya Rahane, who has been retained as captain regardless of KKR’s disappointing IPL 2025 marketing campaign.
“Rinku Singh will work very intently with skipper Ajinkya Rahane as vice-captain,” KKR CEO Venky Mysore stated throughout the crew’s ‘Knights Unplugged 3.0’ occasion right here.
Backing the choice, head coach Abhishek Nayar stated Rinku’s evolution inside the set-up made him a pure alternative for a management function.
“I’ve seen him evolve as a pacesetter through the years. He’s somebody the crew all the time appears ahead to, so we needed to provide him somewhat bit extra duty. I really feel it’s the right time after successful the T20 World Cup,” Nayar stated.
Rinku’s rise has been some of the exceptional tales in IPL historical past, from being picked for Rs 80 lakh in 2018 to being retained for Rs 13 crore forward of IPL 2025.
ALSO READ | Former Indian cricketer backs KKR to provide captaincy to this ICC T20 World Cup-winning finisher
Story continues under this advert
He shot to fame after smashing 5 consecutive sixes in a last-over chase, a feat that fast-tracked his India call-up and cemented his status as one of many league’s premier finishers.
Each Rahane and Rinku had been referred to as on stage collectively, with the latter drawing the loudest cheers from the group, many even chanting “captain kore dao Rinku (make Rinku the captain)”, reflecting his immense recognition.
After SRK, it’s Rinku Singh in KKR: Rahane
Rahane lavished reward on the left-hander’s rise and affect inside the crew and stated after their Bollywood tremendous star proprietor Shah Rukh Khan, Rinku Singh involves thoughts when somebody thinks of KKR.
“I’m actually pleased to see Rinku as vice-captain. Actually pleased for him. I’ve seen his progress all through the years.
Story continues under this advert
“Rinku began his journey eight years again. To see him obtain so many issues makes everybody pleased, not simply me. Each individual within the dressing room is absolutely pleased. He has simply received the (T20) World Cup and has additionally gone by means of robust occasions. Watching Rinku practise actually laborious day in and time out actually motivates us.
“The perspective he brings is absolutely unbelievable. I imagine when KKR’s title comes up, you all the time consider Shah Rukh Khan sir — and after Shah Rukh Khan sir, it’s Rinku Singh,” Rahane stated.
“Kaafi achha lag raha hai. Aap ne mujhe mauka diya hai vice-captain banne ka. I used to be a part of the World Cup-winning crew. Each participant has a dream to play for India and win the World Cup, in order that dream has been fulfilled.” Addressing the followers, the 28-year-old Rinku urged continued assist because the franchise appears to bounce again strongly this season.
“Simply wish to say: Hold supporting us in good and dangerous occasions. We’ve an excellent squad this time. We’ll attempt to do higher and have the trophy in our arms this time,” Rinku stated.
Story continues under this advert
Barring the injured trio of Harshit Rana, Matheesha Pathirana and Akash Deep your entire squad was current together with the assist employees. Akash Deep was dominated out of IPL 2026 with an harm.
The crew will depart for Mumbai on Wednesday for the opening match towards Mumbai Indians on the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.
Left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey, who has been named as Akash Deep’s alternative, was the primary participant to be launched on stage.
Rahane, 37, had topped KKR’s scoring charts final season with 390 runs however couldn’t forestall the crew from ending eighth with simply 5 wins in 14 matches (two deserted) throughout their title defence — their worst exhibiting since 2009.
Story continues under this advert
KKR head into IPL 2026 with a considerably revamped batting unit after parting methods with stalwarts Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer, whereas making a document Rs 25.20 crore bid for Cameron Inexperienced.
The squad now boasts explosive choices resembling Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, alongside Sunil Narine on the prime.
Rahane won’t be a range-hitter that the fashionable T20 sport calls for, however the appointment of Rinku as his deputy suggests a transparent succession plan.