Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes Kolkata Knight Riders should consider moving vice-captain Rinku Singh higher in the batting order to address the franchise’s continuing struggles in the ongoing IPL 2026. KKR, the three-time champions, are still searching for their first win across three matches this season, and the single point they currently have came from a washout against Punjab Kings on Monday.
Ganguly’s push for Rinku in the top order
Speaking at the launch of the third edition of the Bengal Pro T20 League, Ganguly made his case for a change to KKR’s structure. He said that Rahane is the side’s captain, but feels Rinku is not being utilised at an ideal spot in the batting lineup. Ganguly added that Rinku is a more impactful player than his current position suggests and expressed hope that the team will find a way to promote him up the order.
Alongside Ganguly, Lucknow Super Giants pacer Mohammed Shami was also present at the event.
Why Rinku’s role matters for KKR
Ganguly pointed to Rinku’s ability to change games quickly. Rinku’s stock rose during IPL 2023 when he electrified crowds and became the only batter to strike five sixes in the last over of an IPL, or any T20 chase, in the win over Gujarat Titans.
He also highlighted Rinku’s contribution during KKR’s title-winning campaign in IPL 2024, where the batter played an important part in the team’s run to the championship.
Current batting plan and recent performances
In IPL 2026 so far, KKR have continued with Rahane opening alongside New Zealand explosive batter Finn Allen. The franchise’s most expensive overseas signing, Cameron Green, has been promoted to No. 3 ahead of Angkrish Raghuvanshi.
Green, who is yet to bowl in accordance with his role in the management plans, has found it difficult to get going in the tournament. His batting returns so far read 18, 2, and 4.
Rinku, meanwhile, has mostly been occupying the No. 5 position. The left-hander delivered an unbeaten 33 off 21 balls against Mumbai Indians, and then followed it with a 35 off 25 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, that second knock came in a failed chase of 227 at Eden Gardens.
- KKR have not won any of their first three IPL 2026 matches, with only one point coming from a washout versus Punjab Kings on Monday.
- Sourav Ganguly suggested Rinku Singh should bat higher to relieve the team’s batting issues.
- Ganguly noted that Rahane captains the side, but believes Rinku is being placed too low in the order.
- Rinku’s past impact was cited, including his IPL 2023 five-sixes-in-the-last-over feat against Gujarat Titans.
- His role in KKR’s IPL 2024 title-winning run was also recalled.
- KKR’s current top-order uses Rahane and Finn Allen as openers, with Green moved to No. 3.
- Green has struggled with the bat so far, scoring 18, 2, and 4, and has not begun bowling as per his management chart.
- Rinku has largely batted at No. 5, scoring 33* off 21 vs Mumbai Indians and 35 off 25 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in a chase of 227 that KKR could not complete.
- KKR are set to play Lucknow Super Giants next on Thursday.
