Ajinkya Rahane has been appointed as the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season, the franchise confirmed through CEO Venky Mysore.

The development marks a leadership shift for the Kolkata-based side, with Rahane bringing extensive experience to the role, having previously captained teams across formats and leagues. His calm approach and tactical awareness are expected to guide KKR in the new season.

Meanwhile, Rinku Singh has been named vice-captain, reflecting the franchise’s growing trust in the middle-order batter, who has emerged as one of the key performers for the team in recent seasons.

The dual leadership structure signals a blend of experience and youth, as KKR looks to build a strong campaign in IPL 2026.