The Kolkata Knight Riders hosted the third edition of Knights Unplugged 3.0 in Kolkata, setting the tone for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026
season. The event brought together players, partners, and fans for an interactive evening, offering supporters a closer look at the squad in a more personal setting.
KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane emerged as the central voice of the evening, outlining the team’s approach heading into the new campaign. With a strong squad at his disposal, Rahane stressed the importance of belief, consistency, and a positive brand of cricket.
"It's a privilege to lead such a talented group, and what stands out is the belief and match-winning ability within the squad. Our focus is to play a fearless, positive brand of cricket, stay true to our preparation, and keep improving every game. The support from Kolkata fans is truly special-it goes beyond the stadium-and it inspires us to push harder, take responsibility, and deliver consistently for them," Rahane was quoted as saying by the NDTV Sports.
The event also featured a special moment as franchise legend Andre Russell had his jersey number formally retired, honouring his immense contribution to KKR. Russell will continue to be associated with the side this season as part of the coaching setup in the role of Power Coach.
Head coach Abhishek Nayar also highlighted the value of experience within the setup and the collective goal of pushing the franchise forward.
"Sharing a dressing room with some of the most experienced individuals in the game is truly special. The leadership within our support staff is a huge advantage for all of us. For me, it's a privilege-having people to turn to for guidance makes a big difference. I've had the opportunity to play alongside many of them, which makes the journey even more meaningful. Together, we're focused on taking this franchise to greater heights," Nayar added.
The three-time IPL champions also announced Rinku Singh as their new vice-captain ahead of the new season. They will kick off their 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on March 29.
