New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have appointed Rinku Singh as the vice-captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The Uttar Pradesh batter has been a key performer for KKR with his explosive batting and sharp fielding across several seasons.
The 28-year-old seasoned campaigner will add leadership value to the team from the experience he has gained in domestic circuits and previous IPL stints.
“On behalf of everyone in the franchise, we’re really delighted to announce that Rinku Singh will be the Vice-captain of the team. Rinku joined KKR in 2018, and has been a regular in the team ever since” announced Venky Mysore, CEO, Kolkata Knight Riders, at Knights Unplugged 3.0 event held in Kolkata today (Tuesday).
Captain. Vice-Captain. Sorted 😌💜 pic.twitter.com/reeySu1chL
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 24, 2026
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
Rinku will act as the deputy of Ajinkya Rahane, who was retained as the captain of the KKR for the IPL 2026 season despite a dismal 8th-place finish in 2025.
From World Cup winner to future leader
Rinku was part of India’s victorious T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The power-hitter played a key role in India’s successful title defence with his impactful contributions in the middle-order and his sharp fielding.
Despite being struck with a personal tragedy of losing his father in the middle of the tournament, Rinku fulfilled his duties as an international cricketer, showing immense dedication by returning to the tournament following the tragedy.
In five matches, Rinku produced some crucial finishes for the Men In Blue. On the field, he was a livewire and constant menace for the opposition batters.
Rinku has been one of the standout performers for KKR since he arrived in 2018. His breakout season with the team came three years ago in IPL 2023, when he scored 474 runs at an outstanding average of 59.25, including the famous knock against the Gujarat Titans, against whom he hit five sixes in a row to win the match.
The appointment as KKR vice-captain marks a new chapter in Rinku’s career, one that has the potential for leadership in the near future.