Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) With Kolkata Knight Riders enduring a tough start to IPL 2026, Ajinkya Rahane has come under increasing scrutiny following defeats to Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad.Rahane started the season on a positive note with a smooth 67 off 40 balls against Mumbai Indians, but his efforts fell short as KKR failed to defend a strong unit. In the next game, which also marked his 200th IPL appearance, he struggled for rhythm during the chase, managing just 8 off 10 balls against SRH.
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Ajinkya Rahane press conference: KKR skipper backs bowlers, hits back at SR critics Criticism surrounding his captaincy was also fueled by moments off the field, including his remark about Cameron Green not bowling, where he said the question should be directed to Cricket Australia. Rahane later pushed back at critics, defending his intention and pointing to his improved strike rate in recent seasons.Amidst the noise, veteran Ravichandran Ashwin stepped up to back Rahane and offer strong support to his leadership.“Honestly, I’ve read a lot about Ajinkya Rahane, but he’s a very good person, a very good human being. I’ve played under his captaincy and I’m telling you, no bowler will get a more supportive captain. He’s a very supportive and very calm captain. If he can’t get the best out of a bowler, then I don’t know who can.”Defending Rahane, Ashwin made it clear that KKR’s problems are not just captaincy. Instead, he pointed to tactical limitations, particularly in the bowling department.“Maybe he can do one thing – use Sunil Narine in the power bowler and give Varun Chakravarthy a break, then bring him in after the power bowler. If he does well, then the confidence will come back. But that’s all he can do. What else can he do? He can’t go and play the ball himself.”Ashwin also highlighted the complications surrounding matchups, especially against left-handers, suggesting that avoiding certain bowlers could create further imbalances.“Maybe he can also avoid giving him the ball against left-handers. But if you avoid him against left-handers, who will aim? Sunil Narine will aim from one end, but who will aim from the other? So there are a lot of problems at KKR.”He added that if Cameron Green starts contributing with the ball, it could take some of the load off the offense.With two defeats in their opening matches, KKR are already under pressure at the start of the season. Ashwin’s comments highlight that while Rahane remains in the limelight, the problems within the side run deeper than management concerns.Also See: IPL 2026 Points Table
