Amid mounting criticism for his batting, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has defended his intent, insisting that he has always been an instinctive and attacking player. He emphasized that his development in T20 cricket is the result of years of deliberate effort and adaptation.
These remarks come at a time when KKR’s team mix and Rahane’s strike rate have come under scrutiny at the start of the ongoing Indian Premier League season.
“I’ve always been an instinctive player, an attacking player. But the franchises I played for earlier, my role was different. For me, it was always about the team – how can I contribute. Whatever the management asked at the time, it was about fulfilling that role to the best of my ability,” Rahane said.
Rahane’s comments follow mixed start to the season, with modest scores in KKR’s first three matchesthough debate continues over his role at the top of the order and the team’s use of power forwards. Despite leading the team in runs last season, the veteran has faced fresh questions about the team’s strikeout rate and balance.
“Three to four years ago, I sat down and thought how can I grow from here and update my batting. I started working on a few different shots. It took me one to one-and-a-half years to develop a few. I kept practicing and got hit in the chest and stomach a few times. When you want to improve, you automatically try to be really good and I’ve improved in the last few years of cricket,” he added.
LEADERSHIP, TEAM BALANCE AND EXPECTATIONS
Rahane, who continues to lead KKR despite finishing eighth last seasonacknowledged the expectations that come with representing a franchise backed by passionate supporters in Kolkata. He also reflected on the responsibility of leadership and the importance of contributing to the team’s success.
“The KKR captaincy has been truly amazing. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this series. The passion for cricket in Kolkata is incredible. Whenever you play at Eden Gardens, the fans are emotional and I understand that – they love the sport and are deeply passionate about the team. Winning the championship is always the goal,” he said.
He also thanked the team’s co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for his constant support, especially during the tough phases, adding that the team remains focused on delivering a strong campaign for its fans. KKR next face Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens on April 9.
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Published on:
08 Apr 2026 17:11 IST
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