In a significant development, Kolkata Knight Riders have decided on their captain for IPL 2026. The upcoming edition is set to begin on March 28, and there have been speculations that the three-time winners might opt for a fresh face to lead.
A report from The Telegraph India stated that Ajinkya Rahane would continue to be KKR captain. Notably, the three-time winners finished 8th on the table, and there were rumours doing the rounds that Rahane might be relieved from his duties.
Ajinkya Rahane To Return For 2nd Season As Captain
The upcoming season will be Ajinkya Rahane’s second season as KKR captain. He had a miserable debut season as the Knight Riders managed to clinch just five wins in 14 matches. There were reports that Rinku Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy were in contention to succeed Rahane, but the management has opted to entrust a former CSK star for another season.
For the upcoming season, the Knight Riders have made a massive overhaul to their squad, roping in several promising talents to overcome the shambolic performance of last season.
Rahane presented with a fresh squad for IPL 2026
Notably, KKR entered IPL 2026 with the highest purse value of 63 crores. The three-time winners released the likes of Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, Moeen Ali and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, among others.
Meanwhile, KKR signed Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for ₹25.20 crore and Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for ₹18 crore, strengthening their overseas bench.
KKR's IPL 2026 Schedule Out
On, Wednesday, the IPL officially released the first phase of schedule for the upcoming season. Knight Riders will play the second match of the tournament when they lock horns against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.
In the first phase, Knight Riders will only play four games - three home and one away. After Mumbai Indians, KKR will play three matches at home against Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants.
Match No.
Teams
Date & Time
Venue
No. 2
MI vs KKR
March 29, 7:30 PM IST
Mumbai
No. 6
KKR vs SRH
April 2, 7:30 PM IST
Kolkata
No. 12
KKR vs PBKS
April 6, 7:30 PM IST
Kolkata
No. 15
KKR vs LSG
April 9, 7:30 PM IST
Kolkata
How Did Ajinkya Rahane Fare in IPL 2025?
On an individual level, Ajinkya Rahane had a brilliant IPL, where he amassed 390 runs in 12 innings, averaging 35.45. However, he came under the scanner for his leadership as there were several questionable decision.
To start with, KKR didn't utilise Andre Russell the bowler. The Caribbean star, who has now bid adieu to the league is dubbed as the man with the golden arm, but was hardly brought to bowl. Similarly, Venkatesh Iyer was also reserved just as a batter.
The Knight Riders were lacklustre in the bowling department and yet Rahane's decision to not go for Russell and Iyer with the ball was criticised. Therefore, there were concerns whether the right-handed batter would continue to lead or not. But now, all doubts are cleared and Rahane will be KKR captain for IPL 2026.
Kolkata Knight Riders - (Source:AFP)
