Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain as KKR Prepares for IPL Season

Rinku Singh Takes on Leadership Role at KKR

During the 'Knights Unplugged 3.0' event held in Kolkata, Rinku Singh was introduced as the new vice-captain for the upcoming IPL season, hinting at significant expectations for the talented left-hander. Ajinkya Rahane will continue to lead the Kolkata Knight Riders, who had a challenging season last year, finishing eighth in the league.

Rinku's separate introduction alongside Rahane, met with enthusiastic applause, clearly indicated his emerging leadership role. KKR's CEO, Venky Mysore, emphasized that Rinku will collaborate closely with Rahane in his new capacity.

Head coach Abhishek Nayar expressed his support for this decision, noting Rinku's development as a leader within the squad. He remarked, 'I’ve witnessed his growth over the years. He’s a player the team looks up to, and we believe it’s time to entrust him with more responsibility, especially after his recent success in the T20 World Cup.'

Nayar further highlighted Rinku's contributions both on and off the field, stating, 'His performances have been impressive, and he has naturally assumed a leadership presence without needing to say much.'

With a key power hitter departing, KKR sees this as an opportune moment for Rinku to step up and assist Rahane in leading the team. Rinku's journey with KKR began in 2018 when he was acquired for Rs 80 lakh and later retained for Rs 13 crore ahead of IPL 2025, showcasing his value to the franchise.

Both Rahane and Rinku were celebrated on stage, with Rinku receiving the loudest cheers from fans, many chanting 'captain kore dao Rinku' (make Rinku the captain), highlighting his popularity. While Rahane remains the captain for now, KKR seems to be strategically positioning Rinku as a potential future leader.