Ajinkya Rahane Defends Strike Rate; Reacts To Loss vs SRH in IPL 2026

Ajinkya Rahane defends his approach and strike rate after KKR’s 65-run loss to SRH, blaming the lack of partnerships for the failed chase.

Kolkata Knight Riders endured a disappointing outing in their first home game of IPL 2026, falling short by 65 runs while chasing Sunrisers Hyderabad’s daunting total of 226. The chase never truly gained stability, with no significant partnerships to anchor the innings, ultimately resulting in KKR being bowled out for 161 in just 16 overs.

Captain Ajinkya Rahane reflected on the defeat, stressing the importance of building partnerships in a big chase while speaking after the match as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

“We needed a couple of big partnerships, guys who were set, they needed to take it deep. In batting, when you are chasing a target you need that partnership. We couldn’t get that. In the second innings, the slower balls were slightly stopping [in the pitch], the slower balls were gripping a lot more than the first innings. We thought the wicket would get better but the ball was stopping.”

Middle-Order Collapse and Crucial Moments

KKR began positively in the powerplay but lost momentum during the middle overs. The run-outs of key batters like Cameron Green and Angkrish Raghuvanshi proved costly, halting any chance of recovery. Rahane admitted that despite a strong start, the team failed to capitalize during the crucial phase of the innings.

“But, no excuses. We got a good start. In the first six overs, we were 78 [74] but lost that one extra wicket, Greeny’s run out. Apart from that we were going really well. The middle overs were the crucial time for us and we needed those partnerships from the set batters and that just didn’t happen. SRH executed the slower balls and the angles they used were really good.”

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowlers effectively used variations, especially slower deliveries, to disrupt KKR’s rhythm and ensure the chase never took off.

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Rahane Hits Back at Critics Over Strike Rate

Rahane also addressed criticism surrounding his strike rate and batting approach, making it clear that he remains confident in his method despite outside opinions.

“My strike rate… I have the best strike rate so far, from 2023. People who are talking are probably not watching the game or have a certain agenda against me. They don’t like me playing. They don’t like to watch me play. The amount of success I’ve got, I guess they’re jealous about that.”

“I’m not too worried, yaar. My intent was there. Sometimes as a batter you don’t get the rhythm or the flow. People who are talking either don’t understand the game or they want me to play a different kind of innings. They didn’t expect that Ajinkya Rahane would improve his game this much. I am happy they are talking about me – negative or positive. Let them talk. But partnering Finn Allen, it has been very good. The first six overs you need to look to play fearless cricket with freedom. At times you will struggle, that’s okay, it’s important to accept.”

“But I know what I’m doing, I know what I’ve done in the past, and I back myself instead of thinking about what others are saying. Whoever are talking about it, let them talk,” Rahane concluded.