India batter Rinku Singh has been appointed Ajinkya Rahane’s deputy for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 edition. The decision was announced during the ‘Knights Unplugged’ event at Eden Gardens on Tuesday.
“God’s plan has a new chapter,” the franchise posted on X, echoing Rinku’s famous catchphrase. The experts and pundits of the game are seeing this as a long-term plan.
The left-handed batter has been with the franchise since 2018 and has played 59 matches for them scoring 1099 runs at an average of 30.52 and an impressive strike rate of over 145. Rinku’s most memorable knock came against Gujarat Titans in 2023 edition when he hit five maximums on the trot to take his side home. KKR needed 29 in the final over to chase down 205 with Umesh Yadav on strike. He got a single on the first ball and what followed next was a perfect masterclass from Rinku.
Rinku Singh. Vice Captain. KKR 😍💜
Watch the Knights Unplugged 3.0 LIVE now on our YouTube channel 📲 pic.twitter.com/bsne3dRpDL
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 24, 2026
God’s plan has a new chapter ✨ pic.twitter.com/2Gsy55mipi
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 24, 2026
Here’s How Fans Reacted
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨
Rinku Singh has been named vice-captain of Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026.pic.twitter.com/pIAi2IPtH4— Khan (@ccricket713) March 24, 2026
RINKU SINGH – THE VICE CAPTAIN OF KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS IN IPL 2026 🚨
Ajinkya Rahane – C
Rinku Singh – VC pic.twitter.com/EEMIQzpwu8— BATBALL07 (@BATBALL07) March 24, 2026
🚨 GOOD NEWS FOR KKR 🚨
– Rinku Singh has been appointed as KKR’s new vice-captain. pic.twitter.com/l7e1QU8BJa
— lndian Sports Netwrk (@IS_Netwrk29) March 24, 2026
RINKU SINGH AS CAPTAIN IN 2027 🤩
Rinku Singh has been announced as vice captain of KKR and he can probably do the captaincy next year 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dYLwsZLwKk
— Venky Mama (@venkymama100) March 24, 2026
Head coach Abhishek Nayar explained why Rinku was handed over the responsibility. “I think it’s quite befitting. My first memory of coming to Kolkata Knight Riders and being part of the support staff was working with Rinku Singh. To now take over as head coach and see his journey has been very special,” Nayar said on Tuesday.
“Over the years, we’ve seen Rinku evolve not just as a cricketer but also as a leader. In the past couple of seasons, his performances have spoken for themselves, but even off the field, without saying much, he’s someone the team naturally looks up to. With his ability as a big power-hitter, we felt it was the right time for him to take on a little more responsibility. After becoming a World Cup champion, this feels like the perfect moment for him to step up, take on the role, and help lead the group.”
KKR to Begin IPL 2026 Campaign vs MI
The Kolkata Knight Riders who have been crowned champions thrice in IPL will begin the campaign against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (March 29). They will then host Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2, Punjab Kings on April 6 and Lucknow Super Giants on April 9 at the Eden Gardens Stadium in the first phase of the tournament.
