Rinku Singh Steps Up as KKR's Vice-Captain for IPL 2026
Synopsis
Kolkata Knight Riders have announced Rinku Singh as their new vice-captain for IPL 2026. With a rich history of performance and leadership, he aims to guide the team to victory in the upcoming season. Discover the latest updates on KKR's roster and match schedule.
Key Takeaways
Rinku Singh appointed as vice-captain of KKR for IPL 2026.
KKR will start their campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29.
Rinku has been with KKR since 2018, showcasing strong performance.
Trials are being conducted for injured pacer replacements.
KKR's first home match is against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2.
Kolkata, March 24 (NationPress) The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who have secured the IPL championship title three times, have officially appointed Rinku Singh as the team's vice-captain for the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
Rinku has consistently demonstrated his value to KKR with his dynamic batting and exceptional fielding skills. At 28 years old, he brings a wealth of leadership experience from various domestic leagues and previous IPL seasons.
"We are thrilled to share that Rinku Singh will serve as the Vice-captain of our team. He has been a vital part of KKR since joining in 2018," stated Venky Mysore, the CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders.
Under the captaincy of seasoned India opener Ajinkya Rahane, KKR will kick off their IPL 2026 journey against the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 29.
The first home match for KKR will be against the 2016 champions, Sunrisers Hyderabad, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 2, followed by matches against Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants on April 6 and 9, respectively.
Currently, KKR is conducting trials during their pre-season camp to identify replacements for injured pacers Harshit Rana. Players such as Navdeep Saini, Akash Madhwal, Simarjeet Singh, Sandeep Warrier, KM Asif, and Sunil Kumar are participating in the trials to fill the gaps in the KKR roster.
Previously, KKR had to replace India pacer Akash Deep, who was sidelined with a stress reaction in his lower back, bringing in Vidarbha pacer Saurabh Dubey.
Dubey, aged 28, was initially signed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2022, but his season ended prematurely due to a back injury. Although he has yet to make his IPL debut and went unsold during the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi last year, he is now part of the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP), making him available for selection by any franchise needing replacements for injured players.
Dubey has played eight List A games and three T20 matches for Vidarbha and was a part of the India A team during the 2019 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, with Sitanshu Kotak serving as the head coach. His talents were also recognized by former India pacer Subroto Banerjee, whose tenure as a national selector concluded last year.
Point of View
The appointment of Rinku Singh as vice-captain signals a strategic move that blends experience with youthful enthusiasm. His performance and leadership potential could be pivotal in KKR's quest for yet another championship title.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new vice-captain of KKR for IPL 2026?
Rinku Singh has been appointed as the vice-captain of Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026.
When does KKR start their IPL 2026 campaign?
KKR will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29.
What is Rinku Singh's background with KKR?
Rinku Singh joined KKR in 2018 and has been a consistent performer, contributing significantly to the team's success.
Who is the captain of KKR for IPL 2026?
The captain of Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026 is Ajinkya Rahane.
What challenges is KKR facing before the season?
KKR is currently seeking replacements for injured pacers, conducting trials to fill these spots.
