Ajinkya Rahane labelled ‘captaincy quota merchant’ by ex-BCCI selector amid KKR’s IPL struggles

Former Team India cricketer Kris Srikkanth criticized Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane over his captaincy and batting role in IPL 2026. Srikkanth believes the Kolkata Knight Riders captain is not effective as an opener and is limiting the team’s ability to maximize powerplay scoring opportunities.

Ajinkya Rahane Playing Only Because... - Kris Srikkanth

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kris Srikkanth said that Ajinkya Rahane is blocking players like Cameron Green and Sunil Narine from opening in the batting order. Srikkanth stated that Ajinkya Rahane should play in the middle order in the upcoming matches.

"Guys like Rahane are playing only because they are the captains. That's the problem. Ajinkya Rahane has been playing the IPL for so long since 2008. He's blocking the opening position. So, just playing one great knock will happen. I am not saying he should be dropped. Play him at No.4 and let him play the sheet anchor role," Srikkanth stated.

But At No.5, Rinku Singh Will Not Fit In - Kris Srikkanth

Kris Srikkanth urged Kolkata Knight Riders to make immediate changes to their batting order. He suggested opening with Sunil Narine, batting Cameron Green at No. 3, and using Ajinkya Rahane in the middle order.

"They can open with Narine also. Play Cameron Green at 3 and Raghuvanshi at 4. Also, Rinku Singh is useless at No.5. Rinku's ideal batting position is No.7. Send Rahane at 4 or 5, followed by Rovman Powell at 6. Rinku Singh should only be used for the last five overs. He won't score much if you send him out to bat in the 10th over," Srikkanth explained.

Srikkanth criticized Rinku Singh’s current role at No. 5 and added that Rovman Powell should bat higher. He explained that Rinku is most effective in the final overs and that using him earlier slows the run rate and adds pressure on other batters.

"When he comes as a finisher, he does the job. But at No.5, he will not fit in. He's not a No.5 batter. When he comes to bat, the run rate initially decreases, which increases the pressure on the batter at the other end. Rovman Powell has to muscle himself because of that. That's why it's best Rinku Singh bats at No.7. You are wasting Sunil Narine at No.7 and 8. Rahane can bat only if needed; else, he can just captain the side," Kris Srikkanth added.

Kolkata Knight Riders Endure Nightmare Start To IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders are going through a poor start to the IPL 2026 season. The team has lost three matches against the Mumbai Indians (MI), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), while one game against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) was washed out.

Their main issue has been a weak bowling attack. Key Indian pacers Harshit Rana and Akash Deep are ruled out due to injuries. Cameron Green has also struggled to perform and has not lived up to expectations so far this season.

Kolkata Knight Riders now face a tough road to the playoffs. They need to win seven of their remaining ten matches. With a poor net run rate, the team must aim for big wins to improve their position on the points table.

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