Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, franchises have begun restructuring their squads. All 10 teams have already announced their retention lists. However, the biggest surprise has come from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). By releasing 10 players, the KKR management has clearly indicated that they are preparing for a complete team overhaul.

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The release list includes big names like Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell. As a result, KKR is expected to be highly active at the auction, entering with a massive budget of over ₹64 crore to rebuild their squad.

After a disappointing performance last season, KKR aims for a full transformation going into the new season. Along with the release list, a possible change in captaincy also appears to be part of this plan. Last year, the franchise appointed Ajinkya Rahane as captain, but due to mid-season strategic issues and difficulties in managing the bowling unit, the team failed to perform as expected.

For the upcoming season, Rinku Singh has emerged as a strong contender for the captaincy. Over the past few seasons, Rinku has consistently delivered match-winning performances for KKR. He is exceptional in the field and can even contribute with the ball when needed. In the recent Ranji Trophy, he scored a superb 165 against Andhra and 176 against Tamil Nadu.

Rinku Singh’s strong on-field mindset, positive attitude, and great rapport with teammates make him a promising leadership candidate. If KKR doesn’t secure a big-name leader at the auction, the management is likely to turn their attention towards him.