Kolkata: Ajinkya Rahane has heaped praise on Rinku Singh after the latter was appointed vice-captain of Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, highlighting his growing stature within the franchise.

Speaking at the ‘Knights Unplugged 3.0’ event, Rahane made a striking remark about Rinku’s importance to the team’s identity.

“When we think about KKR, the first name that comes to our mind is Shah Rukh Khan; the very next name is Rinku Singh,” Rahane said.

The statement underlines how far Rinku has come in his journey with the franchise — from a fringe player to one of its central figures.

A journey built on patience and perseverance

Rinku Singh’s rise at KKR has been anything but straightforward. Having spent seven years with the franchise, he did not always enjoy regular opportunities in the playing XI.

In his early years, he was often seen as a substitute fielder, waiting for chances to prove himself. However, he made the most of limited opportunities, gradually building a reputation as a dependable performer in crucial situations.

His consistent contributions eventually earned him a permanent spot in the side, and today, he is regarded as one of KKR’s most reliable match-winners.

Growth into a leader

KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar also reflected on Rinku’s evolution, not just as a cricketer but as a leader within the group.

“I think it’s quite befitting. My first memory of being part of KKR’s support staff was working with Rinku Singh. Over the years, we’ve seen him evolve not only as a cricketer but also as a leader,” Nayar said.

He emphasised that Rinku’s influence extends beyond his on-field performances, with teammates often looking up to him for guidance despite his quiet demeanour.

According to Nayar, the decision to appoint him vice-captain comes at the right time, especially after his recent international success.

Reward for consistent performances

Rinku’s rise at the franchise level has been complemented by his success on the international stage. He recently broke into India’s T20 setup and was part of the squad that went on to win the T20 World Cup.

This achievement further cemented his reputation as a player capable of delivering under pressure — a quality that KKR values highly.

His ability to finish matches and contribute in high-stakes situations has made him an indispensable part of the team.

Rinku embraces new responsibility

Speaking about his appointment as vice-captain, Rinku expressed gratitude and determination to live up to the expectations.

“It feels wonderful. You have given me the opportunity to serve as vice-captain. Recently, Team India became world champions, and I was part of that journey,” he said.

He assured the management and fans that he would give his best and work closely with teammates to fulfil his responsibilities.

Rinku also made a heartfelt appeal to supporters, urging them to continue backing the team through both good and challenging phases.

A key figure in KKR’s future plans

Rinku’s elevation to vice-captain signals KKR’s long-term vision of building a leadership core around players who have grown within the system.

While Rahane continues as captain, Rinku’s new role positions him as a potential future leader of the franchise.

The move also reflects the trust the management has placed in his temperament, consistency, and understanding of the team’s culture.

Crucial season ahead

As IPL 2026 approaches, KKR will be aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. With a strong squad and renewed leadership structure, expectations will be high.

Rahane’s experience combined with Rinku’s energy and recent success could prove to be a valuable combination for the team.

Conclusion

Rinku Singh’s journey from a peripheral squad member to vice-captain of KKR is a testament to perseverance and performance.

Rahane’s words capture the essence of that rise — from being a lesser-known player to becoming one of the defining faces of the franchise after Shah Rukh Khan.

As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Rinku adapts to his expanded role and whether he can help guide KKR back to title contention.