Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has reckoned that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) middle-order batter Rinku Singh has proven his captaincy credentials and the Kolkata-based franchise could give him a chance in the IPL 2027 season.
Notably, Rinku led the Meerut Mavericks to the title win in the just-concluded UPT20 League 2026 season, defeating the Bhuvneshwar Kumar-led UP Falcons in the grand finale. Earlier in the 2025 season, he had led the team to the final.
” Kaabil e tareef kaptaani Rinku Singh ki. Chautha season hai, chauthe final khel rahe hai (Meerut Mavericks). KKR kaptaan badi hi dhoond rahi hai, lekin mujhe lagta hai kaptaan mil gaya hai KKR ko (Rinku’s captaincy has been worthy of praise. Fourth season, fourth final for Meerut Mavericks. KKR are looking for a captain, but I think they may have found him),” Raina said while speaking during the final.
” Thoda nivesh kijiye Rinku Singh pe, thode matches dijiye(They should invest in Rinku Singh, give him a few matches). You never know,” he added.
Alongside his recent stint at the UPT20 League, the middle-order batter has also led his state team, Uttar Pradesh, in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. As per recent reports, KKR held discussions with Mumbai Indians (MI) over a possible trade with Hardik Pandya, but a deal is yet to materialise.
Following Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement from all formats of cricket, KKR is looking for a new skipper ahead of the IPL 2027 season. It’s worth noting that Rahane led the three-time champions across the 2025 and 2026 seasons, but his sudden exit has left a vacancy in the team’s leadership role.
