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KKR's New Era: Rahane Leads Charge in IPL 2026
14 Mar
Summary
- Ajinkya Rahane continues as KKR captain aiming for improved performance.
- Mental focus is as crucial as physical training for IPL success.
- Andre Russell joins KKR in a new role as power coach.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is set to commence on March 28. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will begin their campaign under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, who aims to steer the team towards an improved performance. Rahane highlighted that mental focus is paramount, equating its importance to rigorous physical training for the demanding tournament.
The franchise has undergone significant changes, with Abhishek Nayar appointed as the new head coach. Additionally, legendary player Andre Russell will take on a new role as the team's power coach, focusing on enhancing batting capabilities. KKR also secured Cameron Green for ₹25.20 crore in the mega auction, reshaping their squad for the upcoming season.
KKR's first match is scheduled for March 29 against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. Following this away fixture, the team will return to play the majority of their games at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The initial phase of the tournament schedule sees KKR participating in only four matches.




