In an explosive press conference after their heavy loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane hit out at his critics, saying those who question his strike rate in the IPL have “some agenda” against him and are “jealous” of the success he has achieved.
Facing questions over back-to-back defeats, an inexperienced bowling attack and growing criticism of his batting, Rahane said the scrutiny was not in place, even as it focused on KKR’s struggles with both bat and ball.
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“My strike rate I think I have one of the best strike rates so far. I think people who are talking about me probably don’t follow the game or have some agenda against me,” Rahane told reporters.
“They don’t like me playing, they don’t like watching me play. The amount of success I’ve had, they’re probably jealous of me. I’m not too worried. You know what I do. Just one bad inning — well, not a bad inning — but my intent was there. Sometimes as a hitter, you don’t understand the rhythm of the game, or you don’t want to play a different game.” kind of exchange.”
Rahane scored 8 off 10 balls in his 200th IPL match before falling to Jaydeva Unadkat in a 65 run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabadwhich is a dismissal that has increased the scrutiny surrounding his strike.
“They didn’t expect Ajinkya Rahane to improve his game so much. So I’m glad they’re talking about me, whether it’s negative or positive – either way I’m really happy they’re talking. Let them talk. In terms of batting, partnership, it’s been amazing with Finn Allen. We had a very good partnership in Mumbai. In the first six matches, you’re going to fight with freedom, you’re always going to play cricket, you’re going to go.” well – it’s important to accept it, but I know what I’m doing, I know what I’ve done in the past, and I’d rather support myself than think about who’s talking about me.”
Rahane’s strike rate has been a moot point, especially in terms of his role as an opener this season, but the 37-year-old said the story about his game lacks context.
“My strike rate, I think I have one of the best strike rates since 2020. People who talk about me probably don’t follow the game or have some agenda against me. They don’t like me playing,” Rahane said after KKR were bowled out for 161 in 16 overs while chasing 227.
“They don’t like watching me play. I guess they’re jealous of the amount of success I’ve had. I’m not too scared,” he added, doubling down on his stance.
Rahane who scored 67 off 40 balls in KKR’s opening match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede, he said that swings in pace are part of the game and should not be overanalyzed, especially in the IPL.
“You know what I’m doing. Just one bad inning. It wasn’t a bad inning, but my intent was sometimes as a hitter you don’t get that rhythm, you don’t get that flow.”
“People who are talking don’t understand the game and I think they want me to play a different kind of innings. They didn’t expect Ajinkya Dhane to basically improve his game that much. So I’m glad they’re talking about me, whether it’s negative or positive either way.”
“I am really happy that they are talking to each other, let them talk. But in terms of batting, partnership, it has been amazing. We have a very good partnership in Mumbai.”
The KKR skipper also addressed concerns about the team’s approach, especially in the power play, saying they will continue to promote an aggressive style despite recent setbacks, while stressing the need for clarity and confidence as both the batting and bowling units struggle to find consistency.
“In six overs, you always try to go fearless cricket. Play fearless cricket with freedom. You’re going to struggle at times. That’s OK. It’s important to accept that. But I know what I’m doing.”
“I know what I have done in the past and I prefer to stick to it rather than think about it. Whoever talks about me, let them talk,” Rahane said, signing a clear message to his critics as KKR look to arrest their slide.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
03 Apr 2026 01:18 IST
