Kolkata: Former India batter Aakash Chopra has advised Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to appoint Rinku Singh as captain for the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season if the franchise fails to find a suitable leader at the upcoming auction.

KKR are searching for a new captain following Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement from all forms of cricket. The three-time champions also have important decisions to make about their squad ahead of the retention deadline on November 17 and the auction scheduled for December 16.

Chopra believes Rinku could be a strong option from within the existing squad, particularly given his experience as KKR vice-captain and his leadership role in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League (UPT20).

Speaking on JioStar’s Game Plan, Chopra urged the franchise to consider promoting the left-handed batter rather than relying entirely on an overseas player for the captaincy position.

“Appoint Rinku as the captain. You made him the vice-captain, right? Then have him as the captain now. He leads his side in the UPT20. Sometimes you have to throw people in at the deep end and see what happens,” Chopra said.

He added that KKR could still look for a captain during the auction but should turn to Rinku if they cannot identify a suitable candidate.

Rinku’s leadership experience strengthens his case

Rinku has been associated with KKR since 2018 and has developed into an important member of the franchise’s batting line-up. He was also part of the team that won the IPL title in 2024.

His leadership experience in domestic T20 cricket has added to the discussion around his potential elevation. Rinku captained the Meerut Mavericks in the UPT20 League and guided the side to the title in the 2026 season.

Chopra referred to this experience while making the case for giving Rinku a bigger responsibility at KKR. The former India opener’s suggestion is conditional, however, as he believes the franchise should remain open to finding another suitable captain at the auction.

KKR’s immediate challenge is to identify a leader who can guide the team through the next season while helping it return to the playoffs. The franchise finished seventh in IPL 2026 and will be looking to improve its performance.

Chopra questions Cameron Green and Pathirana’s retention

Apart from captaincy, Chopra also discussed KKR’s overseas player commitments and suggested releasing two of their most expensive acquisitions: Australian all-rounder Cameron Green and Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana.

Green was bought for Rs 25.2 crore, while Pathirana carries a price tag of Rs 18 crore. Releasing both players could free up approximately Rs 43.2 crore for the franchise ahead of the auction.

Chopra raised concerns about Green’s availability, pointing to the international commitments expected in 2027, including the 50-over World Cup and the Ashes.

“I am looking to leave out Cameron Green at Rs 25.2 crores. It’s a World Cup year, and it’s an Ashes year, so I am not sure about his availability or how many matches he will play,” he said.

He also suggested that KKR could potentially attempt to buy Green back at a lower price if they decided to release him.

Regarding Pathirana, Chopra noted that the fast bowler had not featured in a match since May because of injury concerns. He questioned whether retaining an expensive player whose availability remained uncertain would be the best use of the team’s purse.

These are Chopra’s recommendations and do not represent confirmed decisions by KKR. The franchise will have to assess player fitness, availability and its overall squad requirements before finalising its retention list.

Mustafizur Rahman and other retention questions

Chopra also discussed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s uncertain availability. He said KKR should consider retaining the left-arm pacer if he is permitted and available to participate in the tournament.

“If he is available and can play, you would want to retain him, but can he play? We don’t know about that,” Chopra said.

He added that even after releasing Green and Pathirana, KKR would have sufficient funds to retain Mustafizur if his participation was confirmed.

The former India batter also questioned whether the franchise should continue with Ramandeep Singh and Umran Malik.

Ramandeep, whose price is Rs 4 crore, has not been used regularly, according to Chopra. He felt the franchise could make better use of that amount if the all-rounder was not part of its playing plans.

Umran Malik, who carries a price tag of Rs 75 lakh, was another player he suggested releasing if KKR did not intend to give him opportunities.

Chopra said the young fast bowler had potential and would benefit from playing regularly rather than remaining on the bench.

KKR face important decisions before the auction

KKR’s retention decisions will shape the amount of money available to rebuild the squad at the December auction. The franchise must balance its need for a new captain with the availability and value of its existing players.

Chopra’s suggestions include promoting Rinku if no suitable captain emerges, reconsidering expensive overseas commitments and giving greater attention to players who are likely to feature regularly.

For now, KKR have not announced their next captain or confirmed the players they intend to release. The retention deadline on November 17 will provide the first indication of the franchise’s plans ahead of IPL 2027.