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Rinku Singh Named KKR Vice-Captain for IPL 2026 Amid Form Concerns

The Kolkata Knight Riders have appointed star Indian batter Rinku Singh as the team's vice-captain for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. He will serve as deputy to captain Ajinkya Rahane, taking over the role from Venkatesh Iyer, who moved to RCB. The announcement was made by KKR CEO Venky Mysore at a franchise event in Kolkata. However, Rinku's recent form, including a poor T20 World Cup 2026 and declining IPL numbers since his breakout 2023 season, remains a key concern for the team.

Key Points: Rinku Singh Appointed KKR Vice-Captain for IPL 2026

  • Rinku Singh named KKR vice-captain
  • Deputy to captain Ajinkya Iyer
  • Replaces Venkatesh Iyer
  • Form a concern after poor T20 WC
  • KKR's season starts March 29 vs MI
2 min read

Kolkata Knight Riders announces Rinku Singh as vice-captain for IPL 2026

KKR names Rinku Singh as vice-captain for IPL 2026, serving under Ajinkya Rahane. Announcement made by CEO Venky Mysore.

"On behalf of everyone in the franchise, we're really delighted to announce that Rinku Singh will be the Vice-captain of the team. - Venky Mysore"

Kolkata, March 24

Star Indian batter Rinku Singh has been named the vice-captain of Kolkata Knight Riders for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026, taking on a new leadership role within the team.

Rinku will serve as the deputy to Ajinkya Rahane, stepping into the vice-captaincy role previously held by Venkatesh Iyer, who was acquired by defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 7 crore ahead of the season.

The announcement was made by KKR CEO Venky Mysore at the Knights Unplugged 3.0 event held in Kolkata on Tuesday.

"On behalf of everyone in the franchise, we're really delighted to announce that Rinku Singh will be the Vice-captain of the team. Rinku joined KKR in 2018 and has been a regular in the team ever since," said Venky Mysore.

Rinku's form will be a big concern for the Knight Riders, as he had a sub-par T20 World Cup 2026, scoring just 24 runs in five innings. Also in the IPL, his performances have witnessed a decline since his breakout season in 2023, in which five successive sixes against Yash Dayal in a 200-plus run-chase against the Gujarat Titans (GT) launched him into stardom.

Rinku's 2023 season saw him score 474 runs in 14 innings at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.52, with four fifties.

However, since then, he has scored just 374 runs in 22 innings at an average of 23.37, with a best score of 38*.

Rinku has played 59 matches for the side, scoring 1,099 runs at an average of 30.53.

KKR will begin their IPL campaign against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting choice. While I love Rinku's story, the article raises a valid point about his recent form. Giving him vice-captaincy could be a masterstroke to boost his confidence, or it could add pressure. Fingers crossed it's the former!
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Ananya R
From a small-town boy to KKR vice-captain! 🥳 This is what dreams are made of. His journey is so inspiring for every young cricketer in India. Form is temporary, class is permanent. He'll bounce back.
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Vikram M
With due respect to Rinku, I feel this is a bit of a gamble. His numbers have dipped significantly. Maybe they should have considered someone more consistent for such an important role? Hope he proves me wrong.
K
Karthik V
Perfect deputy for Rahane! Rahane brings calm experience, Rinku brings that fearless, aggressive mindset. This could be a great balance for the team's leadership. Excited for the new season! #KKR #IPL2026
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Priya S
The management sees something in him we don't. He's been with KKR since 2018, knows the team culture inside out. Sometimes leadership isn't just about runs, it's about heart. He's got plenty of that.

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