‘Virat Kohli has set a great example’: Kaif urges Rahane to take cues from RCB star

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has urged Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane to take inspiration from Virat Kohli, highlighting how the latter reinvented his game against spin.

Kaif noted that Kohli, once criticised for his strike rate against spinners, responded by expanding his shot range and adopting a more attacking approach. He believes Rahane must undergo a similar transformation to stay relevant in modern T20 cricket.

“Kohli was in a similar situation. His strike rate against spin had dipped, but he answered critics by attacking and developing new shots. Rahane largely relies on the slog sweep. He needs to improve his power-hitting down the ground and broaden his range against spin,” Kaif said.

Rahane, who led KKR last season, showed flashes of form but struggled to convert starts into impactful innings. Kaif pointed out that while the veteran consistently scored in the 30–40 range, he failed to deliver match-winning performances, particularly against spin-heavy attacks.

“He got good starts throughout the season but didn’t have a single match-winning knock. That remains a concern — he often gets out once spinners come into play,” he added.

Kaif also questioned Rahane’s appointment as captain, suggesting the decision may have been made late during the auction, with the franchise possibly exploring other long-term leadership options earlier.

Looking ahead, Kaif backed Rinku Singh as a future captain for KKR, praising his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.

“It’s time to groom Rinku Singh as a future leader. He’s a match-winner and has delivered consistently for his teams,” Kaif said.

Notably, KKR have already named Rinku as vice-captain for IPL 2026, indicating a long-term leadership transition, while Rahane continues as skipper despite a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign.