Kolkata: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has called for a tactical reshuffle within the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batting order, urging the franchise to promote vice-captain Rinku Singh to address their stagnant form in IPL 2026.
Despite his reputation as a premier finisher, Rinku has primarily occupied the No. 5 position this season. His individual performances remain a bright spot for the struggling side; the left-hander recently produced an unbeaten 33 off 21 deliveries against the Mumbai Indians and a resilient 35 off 25 balls during a steep, unsuccessful pursuit of 227 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens.
Struggles at the Top
The three-time champions are currently searching for their first victory of the campaign. After three outings, their solitary point comes from a rain-abbreviated washout against the Punjab Kings on Monday.
KKR's leadership has continued to back a veteran-heavy opening pair featuring captain Ajinkya Rahane alongside New Zealand's Finn Allen. Meanwhile, the team's record-breaking 25.20 crore rupee acquisition, Cameron Green, was recently elevated to No. 3, displacing the in-form youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi.
Green, who has yet to begin bowling under his current fitness management plan, has found runs hard to come by, recording scores of 18, 2, and 4 in his appearances thus far.
Ganguly's Assessment
Speaking at the unveiling of the Bengal Pro T20 League's third edition, Ganguly voiced his concern over the current utilisation of the team's vice-captain.
"He's (Rahane) the Knight Riders captain, and I feel Rinku bats too low," Ganguly said. "He's (Rinku) a better player than that, and, hopefully, the team finds a way to push him up the order."
The Knight Riders will have an immediate opportunity to test their tactical balance when they host the Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens on Thursday. With the team desperate to reverse their worst-ever start to an IPL season, all eyes will be on whether the management heeds the former skipper's advice to maximise Rinku's time at the crease.