The IPL 2026 season is set to begin on March 28 with the opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kolkata Knight Riders will start their campaign soon after and the team has confirmed that Ajinkya Rahane will continue as captain.
There had been discussions among fans about whether Rinku Singh could replace Rahane as captain. However, the franchise has decided to keep Rahane in charge as KKR aim to improve their performance after finishing eighth last season.
Rahane to Continue as KKR Captain
Kolkata Knight Riders have chosen to keep Ajinkya Rahane as captain for IPL 2026. The management believes his experience and leadership will help the team perform better this season.
KKR had a difficult campaign in IPL 2025 and finished near the bottom of the points table. The team is now hoping that Rahane can guide the squad to better results in the new season.
Rahane Talks About Mental Preparation
Ahead of IPL 2026, Rahane spoke about the importance of mental preparation. According to him, preparing for a long tournament like the IPL requires more than just physical training.
He explained that players spend time working in the gym and practising in the nets, but mental focus is equally important. Taking time to reset, think clearly and visualize the upcoming season helps players stay ready for pressure situations.
Rahane believes strong mental preparation can help players perform better during important matches.
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Leadership Responsibility in the IPL
Rahane also shared his thoughts on leading KKR. He described the IPL as one of the most competitive tournaments in world cricket.
According to him, being captain of a major franchise like KKR is a responsibility he values. His focus will be on building trust within the team and preparing the squad well for the long tournament.
The franchise’s social media channels also shared messages highlighting Rahane’s focus on mental strength and teamwork before the season begins.
KKR Coaching Setup for IPL 2026
Kolkata Knight Riders have made several changes in their support staff before the new season.
| Role | Person |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Abhishek Nayar |
| Power Coach | Andre Russell |
Former KKR star Andre Russell has joined the team’s support staff as a power coach. In this role, he will help batters improve their power-hitting skills.
Squad Changes Before the Season
KKR also made several squad changes during the auction. Some experienced players were released while new players were added.
Players released
| Players |
|---|
| Andre Russell |
| Venkatesh Iyer |
| Quinton de Kock |
| Moeen Ali |
Major new signing
| Player | Price |
|---|---|
| Cameron Green | ₹25.20 crore |
Cameron Green’s signing is expected to strengthen both the batting and bowling departments of the team.
KKR IPL 2026 First Matches
Kolkata Knight Riders will begin their IPL 2026 campaign with an away match.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 29, 2026 | Mumbai Indians vs KKR | Wankhede Stadium |
After the opening match, KKR will play several games at their home ground in Kolkata.
| Home Venue | Stadium |
|---|---|
| Kolkata | Eden Gardens |
The team will play four matches in the first half of the tournament, which will be an important period for the new squad to settle.
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KKR are entering the new season with a refreshed setup that includes a new coach, squad changes and experienced leadership.
The team hopes that Rahane’s captaincy, improved mental preparation and a balanced squad can help them achieve better results in IPL 2026.
Fans will be watching closely to see how KKR perform as the tournament progresses.
