From Underdog to Vice-Captain: Rinku Singh’s Rise in KKR

Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday announced explosive batter Rinku Singh as their vice-captain for IPL 2026 , signalling a long-term leadership plan. Rinku will assist skipper Ajinkya Rahane , who retained the captaincy despite KKR’s disappointing campaign in IPL 2025.

The announcement came at KKR’s ‘Knights Unplugged 3.0’ event, where Rinku received roaring applause from fans, many even chanting, “ captain kore dao Rinku ,” reflecting his immense popularity. KKR CEO Venky Mysore highlighted that Rinku will work closely with Rahane, while head coach Abhishek Nayar praised his growth as a leader, saying, “I’ve seen him evolve over the years. He’s someone the team always looks forward to.”

Rinku’s journey with KKR has been remarkable. Picked in 2018 for Rs 80 lakh , he rose to prominence with a sensational feat of five consecutive sixes in a last-over chase , which fast-tracked his India call-up and cemented his reputation as a top finisher. Over the years, he became a cornerstone of KKR’s batting lineup, known for his composure under pressure and match-winning ability. Ahead of IPL 2025, he was retained for Rs 13 crore , a testament to the franchise’s faith in him.

KKR enters IPL 2026 with a revamped squad following the retirement of Andre Russell , and making a record Rs 25.20 crore bid for Cameron Green . The team now features explosive /talents like Finn Allen and Tim Seifert , with Sunil Narine anchoring the top order. Left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey replaces injured Akash Deep, completing the squad for the season opener against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on March 29 .

Reflecting on KKR’s struggles last season, Rahane emphasised positivity, saying, “Every year, there are different challenges. My mindset is always to see difficulties in a positive way and give my best as a player and captain.”

Rinku Singh’s rise is a story of talent, perseverance, and growth. As KKR gears up for IPL 2026, the young vice-captain is poised not just to finish matches but also to lead the team into a new era .