Rinku Singh named KKR vice-captain as franchise signals long-term leadership shift
Kolkata Knight Riders announced Rinku Singh as their vice-captain for IPL 2026 at the franchise's "Knights Unplugged 3.0" event in Kolkata on Tuesday. He will serve as Ajinkya Rahane's deputy when the three-time champions begin their season against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore framed the appointment as part of a broader plan for the franchise's future. Head coach Abhishek Nayar backed the decision, pointing to Rinku's growth as a leader within the squad over the past three seasons.
From 80 lakh to the leadership group
Rinku was bought by KKR for 80 lakh rupees at the 2018 mega auction. He spent four quiet years on the fringes, earning 80 lakh a season while barely getting a game. Then came April 9, 2023, and everything changed.
Needing 29 off the final over against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Rinku smashed five consecutive sixes off Yash Dayal to win one of the most extraordinary matches in IPL history. KKR won by three wickets. Rinku finished on 48 not out from 21 balls. That innings fast-tracked his India call-up and turned him into one of the most recognisable players in the tournament.
KKR retained him for 13 crore ahead of IPL 2025, a 16-fold increase on his original price.
A squad in transition
The vice-captaincy comes during a period of significant change at KKR. Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer, two long-serving members of the squad, were both let go. Cameron Green arrived as the headline signing for a record 25.20 crore. Rahane was kept on as captain despite KKR finishing eighth in IPL 2025.
Rinku replaces Venkatesh Iyer in the vice-captain's role. At 28, he is being positioned as the future face of the franchise, regardless of what happens with Rahane's captaincy beyond this season.
Saturday looms
KKR travel to Mumbai for a March 29 clash with the Indians, one day after RCB and SRH kick off the season in Bengaluru. Rinku's promotion adds another subplot to a KKR season that already has plenty of them.
