The crisis surrounding Ajinkya Rahane has worsened as Kolkata Knight Riders struggle at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table without a single win. Rahane, the captain, faced his second consecutive duck against Rajasthan Royals, adding to his poor performance. In seven innings, he has only scored 152 runs with two ducks and two single-digit scores, raising questions about his approach at the top. His leadership decisions have also come under scrutiny, leaving KKR in a deepening crisis. The team’s struggles can be traced back to decisions made during the auction in late 2024, including letting go of Shreyas Iyer without a clear succession plan. With limited alternatives for captaincy and Rahane’s batting position, KKR is facing mounting pressure and hoping for a miraculous turnaround in a disappointing season. Rinku Singh and Rovman Powell are potential alternatives for captaincy, while Sunil Narine’s leadership experience has also been suggested. However, the franchise remains stuck with limited options and a desperate need for improvement.

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