Big changes are expected in the Knight Riders setup, with doubts already swirling over whether Ajinkya Rahane will continue as captain in the IPL.
But the first leadership shift didn’t happen in Kolkata, it came in the Caribbean Premier League - at the Trinbago Knight Riders.
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Let’s take a closer look at the changes that have already taken place, the moves being discussed and the rumours that are making waves.
Nicholas Pooran replaces Kieron Pollard at Trinbago Knight Riders
In a major CPL announcement, Nicholas Pooran has been handed the captaincy of Trinbago Knight Riders, taking over from Kieron Pollard.
Pollard, who led for six seasons and won the title in 2020, will remain in the playing squad. With Dwayne Bravo now stepping in as head coach, the Knight Riders franchise appears to be entering a new phase in the Caribbean.
The 29-year-old wicket-keeper batter, who debuted in CPL at just 17, has previously been part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors. In 2024, Pooran was also TKR’s top scorer with 504 runs.
Pooran expressed pride in taking over, pointing out that he has grown under Pollard and Bravo's leadership and now wants to lead them on the field.
Pollard explained that the timing was right to hand over the reins. With Bravo back as coach, the focus is on grooming the next generation.
Will Kolkata Knight Riders replace Ajinkya Rahane as captain?
Rahane’s leadership in the 2025 IPL wasn’t bad but KKR management may be exploring options.
The captaincy discussion links directly to another issue with their wicket-keeper slot. Both Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz struggled for consistency, which put pressure on the batting order.
This gap has fueled speculation that KKR might consider a captain who can also keep wickets, someone like Sanju Samson.
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The move could solve two problems at once, but it would also mean a shift away from Rahane’s role, whether or not leadership was his biggest challenge.
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Are KKR genuine contenders to trade for Sanju Samson?
Reports suggest KKR are seriously exploring a trade for Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson before the 2026 IPL auction.
Unlike CSK, who reportedly backed away because they didn’t want to trade key players such as Jadeja, Gaikwad or Dube, KKR might be willing to offer young talents including Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Ramandeep Singh in return.
The logic is straightforward that Samson is a proven top-order batter, a capable wicket-keeper, and an experienced leader. He would fit right into KKR’s needs and offer a fresh leadership option.
His ₹18 crore price tag would be hefty, but the potential upside could justify the risk. It would also be a full-circle moment, as Samson was part of KKR’s squad back in 2012 when they won the title.