With Ajinkya Rahane announcing his retirement from all formats of cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have begun their search for a new captain ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

Unless the franchise acquires an experienced leader through the auction or a trade, Rinku Singh has emerged as the strongest candidate to take over the captaincy after serving as Rahane’s deputy over the past two seasons.

Rinku Singh Favoured for Leadership Role

KKR appointed Rinku Singh as vice-captain before the start of IPL 2026, signalling the franchise’s long-term leadership plans.

At the time, head coach Abhishek Nayar explained that Rinku had grown into a leader both on and off the field.

Nayar praised Rinku’s influence within the dressing room, saying the left-hander had earned the respect of teammates through his performances and calm presence. The additional responsibility was seen as the next step in his leadership journey while working alongside Ajinkya Rahane.

Strong Captaincy Record at Domestic Level

Although Rinku lacks IPL captaincy experience, his domestic leadership record is encouraging.

He captained Meerut Mavericks to the UPT20 League title in 2024 before guiding them to the runners-up finish in 2025. Across the two seasons, Rinku led the side to 13 wins in 18 matches.

He also took over as captain of Uttar Pradesh in List A cricket ahead of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, replacing veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Those experiences have strengthened his credentials to lead one of the IPL’s biggest franchises.

Sunil Narine Remains a Serious Option

Veteran all-rounder Sunil Narine is another name under consideration.

The 38-year-old has been associated with KKR since 2012 and remains one of the franchise’s most influential players. He is the highest wicket-taking overseas bowler in IPL history and has represented multiple Knight Riders franchises around the world, including:

• Trinbago Knight Riders
• Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
• Los Angeles Knight Riders

While Narine has never captained KKR, his experience and leadership within the group make him a credible short-term option.

Rovman Powell Also in the Mix

West Indies batter Rovman Powell could also be considered.

Powell captained the West Indies in 37 T20 Internationals between 2022 and 2024 and brings valuable leadership experience. However, he has played only 13 IPL matches for KKR across the last two seasons, making him an outside contender compared to Rinku and Narine.

Auction Could Influence KKR’s Decision

KKR are also expected to evaluate leadership options during the IPL trade window and auction later this year.

The trade window will remain open until one week before the auction and reopen once the auction concludes. The BCCI is yet to announce the official retention and auction dates for IPL 2027.

With only one season remaining in the current IPL cycle (2025-27), the franchise could appoint a temporary captain before reviewing its long-term leadership strategy ahead of the next cycle.

At present, however, Rinku Singh appears to be the leading favourite to usher in KKR’s next era.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have retained their position as the most valuable franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), becoming the first cricket team to cross the $300 million brand value milestone.

According to the latest report by global investment bank Houlihan Lokey, RCB’s brand value has reached $312 million, while the IPL’s overall business value has grown to $20.6 billion, reflecting another year of strong commercial growth.

RCB Cross Historic $300 Million Mark

RCB recorded a 16% increase in brand value over the past year, rising from $269 million in 2025 to $312 million in 2026.

The Bengaluru-based franchise also created history by becoming the first cricket team to surpass the $300 million brand value mark.

Earlier this year, RCB also witnessed a change in ownership after a consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, the Aditya Birla Group and the Times of India Group acquired the franchise at a valuation of $1.78 billion.

IPL Business Value Crosses $20 Billion

The Houlihan Lokey report estimates that the IPL’s overall business value has increased from $18.5 billion to $20.6 billion over the past 12 months.

The 11.4% growth marks the league’s second consecutive year of double-digit growth, highlighting the IPL’s continued expansion as one of the world’s biggest sporting properties.

According to Harsh Talikoti, Director at Houlihan Lokey’s Financial and Valuation Advisory business, institutional investment and global ownership continue to accelerate cricket’s growth.

Mumbai Indians, KKR and CSK Follow RCB

While RCB lead the rankings, Mumbai Indians remain second with a brand value of $264 million, reflecting a 9.1% increase from last year.

Kolkata Knight Riders occupy third position with a brand value of $245 million, followed closely by Chennai Super Kings at $244 million.

CSK’s valuation grew by 3.8% over the previous year.

RCB Owners Highlight Fan Base Strength

RCB chairman and Times Internet chairman Satyan Gajwani credited the franchise’s passionate supporters for its continued commercial success.

According to him, RCB’s fan engagement and emotional connection with supporters make the franchise unique within the IPL ecosystem.

He also expressed confidence in cricket’s long-term global growth, describing franchise ownership as an attractive long-term investment.

Punjab Kings Co-Owner Explains IPL’s Rising Value

Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia believes IPL franchises are no longer viewed simply as cricket teams.

Instead, he said they are increasingly being recognised as long-term sports and entertainment businesses capable of generating enormous audiences, sponsorship revenue and fan engagement.

Wadia also pointed out that, on a per-match basis, IPL media rights now compare favourably with some of the biggest sporting leagues in the world despite the tournament being only 18 years old.

Full IPL Franchise Brand Value Rankings

Rajasthan Royals and Other Franchises Continue to Grow

Sunrisers Hyderabad climbed to fifth with a brand value of $168 million, while Rajasthan Royals ranked sixth at $161 million after their reported acquisition by the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla at a valuation of $1.65 billion.

Punjab Kings followed closely at $158 million, ahead of Gujarat Titans ($157 million) and Delhi Capitals ($156 million).

Lucknow Super Giants completed the rankings in tenth place with a brand value of $122 million, unchanged from last year.

The latest report underlines the IPL’s growing commercial strength, with franchise values and league revenues continuing to rise year after year.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role