Here is why KL Rahul should lead KKR in IPL 2026

As per the several reports coming, Delhi Capitals are likely to release their star batter KL Rahul ahead of the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2026. Rahul had a great season in IPL 2025

where he finished as leading run scorer for DC amassing 539 runs at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72. However, it is still looking like that DC might move on from him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

As DC are likely to release KL Rahul, there are also reports coming thatKolkata Knight Riders have shown interest for star India batter and might appoint him captain in IPL 2026. Three-time IPL champions KKR didn’t have a great outing under Ajinkya Rahane in IPL 2025 as they finished eighth in the points table with just five wins in 14 matches. The franchise released Shreyas Iyer under whose captaincy they won their third IPL title in 2024. After that, KKR appointed Rahane as skipper for IPL 2025 but couldn’t defend their title this year. Now, it will be interesting to see whether KL Rahul will be seen leading KKR in IPL 2026.

In the following listicle, we will have a look at the three reasons on why KL Rahul should lead KKR in IPL 2026.

KKR needs stable captaincy option

Notably, Kolkata Knight Riders haven’t been able to find a stable captain in the last few years. After reaching the final under Eoin Morgan’s captaincy in 2021, KKR appointed Shreyas Iyer as captain ahead of IPL 2022. However, Iyer was ruled out due to injury ahead of IPL 2023 and Nitish Rana took charge as skipper. In 2024, Iyer returned as captain and led the franchise to their third IPL title that year. Despite this, KKR released Iyer ahead of IPL 2025 and appointed Ajinkya Rahane as captain but didn’t have a great outing that year. Now, with the addition of KL Rahul KKR will be looking to find a stable captaincy option for the next few years in the IPL.

Stable Middle-order batter

Apart from the captaincy, KKR also need a stable batter in the middle-order ahead of IPL 2026. There was no consistent performance from the middle-order batters from KKR in IPL 2025. Looking at this, KL Rahul’s inclusion can provide more strength to KKR’s middle-order. The wicket-keeper also had a great season in IPL 2025 and KKR will be hoping for the same kind of performance from him if they acquire him ahead of IPL 2026.

Senior player and captaincy experience

KL Rahul has also captained an IPL franchise before and had an impressive outing so far. Under his captaincy, Lucknow Super Giants qualified for the playoffs in IPL 2022 and 2023. Even not being captain of the team. KL Rahul can bring up useful insights with the experience he has in the IPL. Looking at this, KKR will be eager to get KL Rahul in their squad of IPL 2026 and use experience to find success in the upcoming season.