Ajinkya Rahane led KKR for two season | Source- AFP
Franchises are expediting their preparations for IPL 2027, with some teams already carrying on fitness camps, while a couple have already moved on from their captains. On Thursday, KKR's captain, Ajinkya Rahane, announced a sudden retirement from all forms of the game.
Rahane's decision to hang up his boots means his IPL franchise will have to start looking for his successor. Under the Mumbaikar's captaincy, the three-time champions finished eighth and seventh in the last two seasons, respectively, after winning a title before Rahane took over.
In this article, we will discuss three options that KKR can consider as Ajinkya Rahane's replacement for captaincy.
Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh is one of the most experienced players in the KKR contingent and the most senior Indian in their batting order. Serving as Ajinkya Rahane’s deputy for the last two years, the batting sensation has been a part of the leadership group for quite some time.
Moreover, he has proved his credentials as a leader in the UP T20 League, where he has taken Meerut Mavericks to the final twice and won a title with them once. Regarded as one of the shrewdest minds in the state, Rinku regularly leads the Uttar Pradesh team in domestic tournaments when he is not on national duty.
Apart from his cricketing credentials, the 28-year-old is a likeable character who has grown leaps and bounds in the KKR camp, gaining a lot of respect in the dressing room among seniors, juniors and the backroom staff.
Cameron Green
Cameron Green is just one season old in the Kolkata quarter, but the Australian all-rounder has to be the most valuable asset in their squad. He was one of the mainstays for the team’s revival in the second half of the IPL 2026, as he returned with 322 runs and seven wickets in his maiden season with the three-time champions.
Although he doesn't have captaincy experience in international or major domestic cricket, the prolific all-rounder is a born leader who walks the talk. He is someone who would never back down from challenges, and KKR have had a successful history with aggressive leaders.
Moreover, Green is regarded as a future leader in Australia's setup; he can easily head the KKR team and stabilise their middle order.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi
One of the most exciting and upcoming talents in the Knight Riders setup is Angkrish Raghuvanshi. The top-order batter is just 22 years old, but his batting is no less than anyone else's.
He has proved his mettle with the bat during his first three seasons with KKR, cementing his spot in the batting order. That said, Raghuvanshi had a surgery-causing injury in the middle of IPL 2026. Although he hasn't captained any major professional side, Raghuvanshi has a 100% win record with the Mumbai Under-23 State team.
With a mega-auction set to be held after IPL 2027, KKR will surely undergo massive changes, but the young batter is someone who could serve them for a long time. Thus, the team management can take a punt on a young Raghuvanshi, and he may deliver similar returns just like his idol, Rohit Sharma.
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