KKR Captaincy Under Fire: Calls to Drop Ajinkya Rahane Grow in IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are going through a difficult phase in IPL 2026, and now their captaincy has come under serious question. With the team yet to win a match this season, criticism is growing from all sides.

Adding to the pressure, former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth has made a bold statement, suggesting that Ajinkya Rahane should be removed as captain if results do not improve soon.

KKR’s Poor Start in IPL 2026

KKR have had a disappointing campaign so far. After playing multiple matches, they are still searching for their first win of the season.

  • No wins in IPL 2026 so far
  • Only 1 point due to a washed-out match
  • Struggling at the bottom of the points table

This poor performance has increased pressure on both players and team management.

Kris Srikkanth’s Strong Statement

Kris Srikkanth did not hold back while sharing his opinion on KKR’s situation. He clearly questioned the decision to appoint Ajinkya Rahane as captain.

“Making him the captain was the wrong move.”

He further added that Rahane should be given only one or two more chances before taking a big decision.

According to Srikkanth, if things do not improve, KKR should not hesitate to make a change in leadership.

Sunil Narine Suggested as New Captain

As an alternative, Srikkanth suggested Sunil Narine as the new captain for KKR.

He believes that Narine’s experience and understanding of the team can help turn things around.

Making such a change in the middle of the season would be a bold move, but it might be necessary given KKR’s current situation.

Ajinkya Rahane’s Form Under Question

Ajinkya Rahane’s performance with the bat has also been a concern this season.

  • 152 runs in IPL 2026
  • Low strike rate in middle overs
  • Struggles to accelerate the innings

In the last match, Rahane even moved down the batting order, showing that the team is trying different strategies to improve results.

However, the changes have not worked so far.

Suggested Changes in Playing XI

Srikkanth also suggested multiple changes to KKR’s playing XI.

He recommended dropping some players and bringing in new options to improve balance.

  • Include Rachin Ravindra in the playing XI
  • Consider changes in overseas players
  • Restructure batting order for better stability

These suggestions highlight the urgency for KKR to make quick decisions.

Bowling and Batting Both Underperforming

KKR’s problems are not limited to captaincy. Both their batting and bowling units have struggled this season.

According to Srikkanth, the bowling attack has been ineffective, with bowlers conceding too many runs.

At the same time, the batting lineup has failed to deliver consistent performances.

This combination has made it difficult for KKR to compete in matches.

Rinku Singh’s Role Questioned

Srikkanth also pointed out issues with Rinku Singh’s role in the team.

He suggested that Rinku is more effective as a finisher and may not be suitable for batting at No. 5 in all situations.

This highlights the need for better role clarity within the team.

Pressure Builds Ahead of Next Match

With their next match approaching, KKR are under immense pressure to deliver a strong performance.

Another loss could further damage their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.

The team management now faces some tough decisions regarding team combination and leadership.

Conclusion

KKR’s IPL 2026 campaign has reached a critical point. With poor results and growing criticism, changes seem inevitable.

Kris Srikkanth’s suggestion to replace Ajinkya Rahane with Sunil Narine has added fuel to the debate.

If KKR fail to turn things around soon, a major leadership change could become a reality.