Ajinkya Rahane Defends His Performance After KKR's Loss to SRH in IPL 2026

Original: 'Agenda Or Not Watching The Game'! KKR Skipper Ajinkya Rahane Slams Questions Over Strike Rate

News 18•Apr 3, 20263 min

In a Nutshell

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane addressed criticism regarding his strike rate following a 65-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2026 IPL season. He asserted that questions about his performance stem from jealousy and emphasized his strong strike rate of around 148 since 2023.

Key Points

01Kolkata Knight Riders lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 65 runs.
02Ajinkya Rahane has a strike rate of approximately 148 in 37 innings since 2023.
03Rahane scored 67 runs off 40 balls in the season opener but only 8 runs off 10 balls against SRH.
04He believes criticism arises from jealousy and a lack of understanding of the game.
05Rahane highlighted his successful partnership with Finn Allen in the season opener.

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Full Summary

In the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced a disappointing 65-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens. Following the loss, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane defended his performance against criticism regarding his strike rate. Rahane, who has maintained an impressive strike rate of approximately 148 over 37 innings since 2023, suggested that the negative comments stem from jealousy and insecurity among critics. He stated, "People who are talking about me probably not watching the game or they have a certain agenda against me." Despite a strong performance in the season opener against Mumbai Indians, where he scored 67 runs off 40 balls, Rahane struggled against SRH, managing only 8 runs off 10 balls. He expressed confidence in his abilities, emphasizing the importance of backing oneself as a player and accepting the ups and downs of the game. Rahane concluded by mentioning the positive partnership he had with teammate Finn Allen, highlighting their approach to playing fearless cricket.

Key Figures