Three Players Who Could Replace Ajinkya Rahane at KKR in IPL 2027
With Ajinkya Rahane retiring from cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders may target Prithvi Shaw, Aman Rao and others for the opening slot.
Ajinkya Rahane's retirement from all forms of cricket on Thursday has left Kolkata Knight Riders needing a new Indian opener for the IPL 2027 season. While KKR already has some in-house candidates, the franchise could also look to the auction for reinforcements.
Prithvi Shaw stands out as an experienced option. Despite recent struggles with fitness and form, his talent is undeniable. Unsold initially in the IPL 2026 auction, Delhi Capitals picked him at his base price of ₹75 lakh, but he went without a game. With 1,892 runs in 79 IPL matches at a strike rate of 147.46, he could be a reliable backup or starter for KKR.
Another prospect is Aman Rao, a young domestic talent currently with Rajasthan Royals. Expected to be released before the 2027 auction, Rao has shown promise in T20 cricket and could be a long-term investment for the Knight Riders. His domestic performances make him a potential future opening option.