Kolkata, April 7 Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes Kolkata Knight Riders should promote vice-captain Rinku Singh to a higher batting position to address the team's batting issues in the ongoing 2026 IPL.
The three-time champions, KKR, have yet to win a match this season, and their only point came from a no-result against Punjab Kings on Monday.
“Rinku is a better player than that, and hopefully, the team can find a way to promote him," Ganguly said while speaking at the unveiling of the third edition of the Bengal Pro T20 League.
Apart from Rinku and Rahane, Lucknow Super Giants pacer Mohammed Shami was also present.
Rinku had shone in the 2023 IPL, hitting five sixes in the last over of their victory against Gujarat Titans.
Rinku also played a key role in KKR's title-winning run in the 2024 IPL.
This season, KKR have continued to use Rahane in the opening slot alongside New Zealander Finn Allen.
The Knight Riders' most expensive overseas acquisition, Cameron Green, has been promoted to No. 3 ahead of in-form Angkrish Raghuvanshi.
Green has struggled in the IPL, scoring only 18, 2, and 4 so far.
Rinku has largely batted at No. 5. He scored an unbeaten 33 off 21 balls against Mumbai Indians and followed it up with 35 off 25 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad in a failed chase of 227 at Eden Gardens.
They next face Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday.
Shami should play for India
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Ganguly then turned his attention to Shami, backing the out-of-favour pacer for a return to the Indian team and bowling alongside Jasprit Bumrah.
“He should be bowling at the other end of Bumrah, nowhere else. That's how good he is. We all saw that spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad – four overs, nine runs against two of the best T20 players, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. That was phenomenal."
Shami was adjudged Player of the Match for his figures of 2/9 in four overs.
“He had a strong Ranji Trophy season for Bengal. I still remember that semifinal, even though Bengal lost, he took eight wickets. He was instrumental in taking the team that far.
“I'm very happy he wants to continue playing in the Ranji Trophy. It's tough for a fast bowler, but there's nothing better than watching Mohammed Shami bowl with the new ball."
Ganguly said Shami looked in good shape.
“I still believe he should play for India. Hopefully, his time will come again because he's that good. When the ball comes out with that upright seam, it's a treat to watch.
“He looks fit and sharp. After bowling consistently for months, you naturally get into peak condition – no more training matches needed. I wish him all the best and would love to see him back in India colours."
Shami finished among the top wicket-takers in this season's Ranji Trophy, taking 37 wickets at an average of 16.72.
However, he has been out of favour with the national selectors led by Ajit Agarkar.
Meanwhile, the Cricket Association of Bengal unveiled a ninth team – the Purulia franchise – for the Bengal Pro T20 League, which will be held in both men's and women's formats in June.
Calling franchise leagues the “future”, Ganguly said: “We grew up in the era of Test and 50-over cricket, but the game has changed. When we started this initiative two years ago, the aim was to take men’s and women’s cricket in Bengal to new heights through T20s — because this is the future.
“Look at the WPL. There were doubts initially, but see where it is now. Women’s cricketers winning the World Cup in Mumbai last year was a huge milestone.
“Even the men’s team winning the T20 World Cup so dominantly shows how far this format has progressed in India. It’s something we need to grow further in this region."