Mohammad Kaif says KKR is a better option for KL Rahul as captain ahead of IPL 2026

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif said Delhi Capitals batter KL Rahul should move to Kolkata Knight Riders if he is presented with an opportunity. Kaif reckons Rahul can also lead the three-time champions as he has the captaincy experience under his belt.

Rahul had led Lucknow Super Giants for three seasons but his rift with owner Sanjiv Goenka was palpable after the franchise had suffered a 10-wicket loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Goenka was not pleased when Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma had taken the LSG bowlers to the cleaners and his frustration was clear after the loss.

Meanwhile, Rahul top-scored for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 with 539 runs in 13 matches at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72.

“If KL Rahul becomes KKR’s captain, he will lead them well. He had captained Lucknow before. If there is rift between any player and owner, it reflects on the field. So, there was a lack of understanding in LSG. That’s why he left Lucknow and came to Delhi. He had established himself in Lucknow, hitting 500 runs, so why would he have wanted to leave? But I feel KKR is a better option for KL Rahul as captain because they have an excellent team.”

Kaif highlighted that a move to KKR will be apt for KL Rahul as he can score freely at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, where the pitch is good for the batters.

“If you look at the players they have – Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz. If we compare with Lucknow, KKR have proper match-winners. The template is set over there about who will bat where. I would advise KL Rahul to not let go if he is given the opportunity, he should grab it with both hands. The pitch at Eden Gardens also plays well; hence, it will benefit his batting. He can also tick the box of having won an IPL as captain. KKR will be a good option for him,” Kaid added.

Rahul has been a consistent performer in the IPL over the years and he would look to keep up the good show.