Ajinkya Rahane Venky Mysore for KKR. Image Credits: X
As the IPL 2026 season approaches, franchises are stepping up their preparations both on and off the field. Fan engagement events have become a part of building excitement, and teams are leaving no stone unturned to connect with fans.
After the success of CSK's grand pre-season celebration 'CSK ROAR 2026', Kolkata Knight Riders followed suit with their own fan event, ‘Knights Unplugged 3.0,’ held at Eden Gardens on March 24. The event turned into a memorable evening for fans and KKR players.
Ajinkya Rahane's entry creates an awkward moment for CEO Venky Mysore
One of the standout moments of the KKR's event came when Venky Mysore addressed the crowd. In the middle of his speech, Ajinkya Rahane walked onto the stage. The fans erupted in loud cheers as soon as they spotted their captain, forcing Venky Mysore to pause.
This video quickly went viral on social media. Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged the crowd with a smile and even hugged KKR’s CEO.
Watch the video here:
Apart from the viral moment, the event also featured key announcements about the team. Kolkata Knight Riders named Rinku Singh as the vice-captain for IPL 2026.
"Rinku Singh will work very closely with skipper Ajinkya Rahane as vice-captain," Kolkata Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore said during the team’s ‘Knights Unplugged 3.0’ event.
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Kolkata Knight Riders also paid tribute to one of their most iconic players, Andre Russell. The franchise retired his No. 12 jersey, honouring his immense contribution over the years.
"We have known Andre Russell for a long time, not just in KKR but also personally. On the field, he has given us many reasons to celebrate. He always wore number 12 with pride. This number is very special to Dre Russ, so we want to honour him by retiring it. In the Knight Riders tradition, we start a new legacy by retiring this number for KKR." Venky Mysore said.
KKR's challenges ahead of IPL 2026
KKR heads into IPL 2026 with several challenges. The team is under pressure after finishing eighth last season, prompting a major squad overhaul during the mini-auction.
Injury concerns have added to their troubles. Key pacers Harshit Rana and Akash Deep have been ruled out, while uncertainty remains over Matheesha Pathirana’s availability due to fitness issues. These setbacks have disrupted the team’s plans for pace bowling just days before the tournament.
To address the gaps, Kolkata Knight Riders has signed uncapped pacer Saurabh Dubey as a replacement for Akash Deep. Additionally, Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has been brought in.
It is important to note that KKR will start their IPL 2026 campaign against the Mumbai Indians on March 29. In the second match, they will play at iconic Eden Gardens against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2.
Ajinkya Rahane will lead Kolkata Knight Riders in their third game, against Punjab Kings on April 6, followed by their last game against LSG on April 9.
| 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 |
Kolkata Knight Riders Squad For IPL 2026
Overseas players: Cameron Green (Australia), Rovman Powell (West Indies), Sunil Narine (West Indies), Finn Allen (New Zealand), Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand), Tim Seifert (New Zealand), Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka), Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe)
Indian players: Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Rahul Tripathi, Rinku Singh, Tejasvi Dahiya, Anukul Roy, Daksh Kamra, Ramandeep Singh, Sarthak Ranjan, Prashant Solanki, Varun Chakravarthy, Akash Deep, Kartik Tyagi, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora
Also Read: KKR's Record At Eden Gardens, Kolkata Before IPL 2026
