IPL 2027: Aakash Chopra backs Rinku Singh for KKR captaincy, makes big retention suggestion

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has suggested that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) should consider appointing Rinku Singh as their captain for IPL 2027 if they fail to find a suitable overseas leader at the upcoming auction.

Speaking on JioStar's Game Plan, Chopra backed Rinku for the role, pointing to his leadership experience with Meerut Mavericks in the UPT20 League. Rinku, who was KKR's vice-captain, led Meerut Mavericks to the UPT20 title this year, according to the supplied report.

KKR will head into the IPL 2027 auction with a leadership vacancy after Ajinkya Rahane's retirement. The three-time champions finished seventh this season under Rahane's captaincy and will need to assess their options before the next campaign.

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Chopra believes KKR should look at an Indian option rather than automatically turning to an overseas player if they cannot secure a captain during the auction. "Appoint Rinku as the captain. You made him the vice-captain, right? Then have him as the captain now," Chopra said.

He added that Rinku's experience of leading a team in the UPT20 League makes him a candidate worth considering. Chopra also felt that sometimes young players need to be given responsibility to see how they handle the challenge.

"So, this is that opportunity, unless they can find somebody at the auction. If they can't find anyone, rather than looking at overseas players, I will actually go towards Rinku," he said.

Aakash Chopra suggests KKR release Cameron Green and Matheesha Pathirana

Alongside his captaincy suggestion, Chopra also shared his thoughts on KKR's retention strategy ahead of the December 16 auction. He proposed releasing Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who was brought for whopping Rs 25.2 crore, and Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, whose price tag was Rs 18 crore. According to Chopra, releasing the two players could give KKR an additional Rs 43 crore to spend at the auction.

Chopra raised concerns over Green's availability, with Australia scheduled to play the 50-over World Cup and the Ashes next year. He also pointed out that Pathirana had not played a match since May because of injuries.

Chopra suggested that KKR could potentially buy Green back at a lower price if they decide to release him. He also highlighted uncertainty surrounding Mustafizur Rahman's availability, saying KKR should retain the Bangladesh pacer if he is cleared to play.

KKR will have several important decisions to make ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, with their captaincy plans and overseas player combination likely to be among the key talking points.