Ajinkya Rahane launched a fierce defense of his batting and leadership after Kolkata Knight Riders suffered a crushing 65-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens.
Under scrutiny after a slow start to the season, Rahane did not hold back in the post-match press conference, taking aim at critics who questioned his intent and goal-scoring rate.
“My strike rate… I think I have one of the best strike rates so far. The people who talk about me are probably not watching the game or have certain agendas,” Rahane said. “They don’t like me playing, they don’t like watching me play. I guess they’re jealous of me because of the success I’ve had.”
The veteran opener endured a tough outing, scoring just eight off 10 balls as KKR’s chase of 227 never got going. Despite a good start from Finn Allen and a fluent half-century from Angkrish Raghuvanshi, KKR collapsed dramatically and were bowled out for 161 in just 16 overs.
Rahane hit 67 off 40 balls in KKR’s opening match on March 29 when they lost by six wickets to Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede.
Rahane also captained KKR last season. He had a strike rate of 147.73 last season, scoring 390 runs in 13 matches and was the KKR’s leading run-scorer last season.
Rahane, however, insisted that criticism of a single innings was misplaced and backed his approach.
“Just an inning where you don’t get that rhythm, that flow. My intention was there. People either don’t understand the game or they want me to play in a different way,” he added. “I know what I’m doing. I support myself instead of thinking about whoever I’m talking to.”
Earlier, SRH put up an almost complete performance to get back to the winning ways. Heinrich Klaasen anchored the innings with a composed 52, while Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma provided a spectacular start with an opening stand of 82 runs.
KKR’s woes were compounded by poor wicket-keeping, including a chaotic mix-up that led to Cameron Green’s exit. Their much-vaunted batting line-up failed to build partnerships, raising further questions about the team’s balance and leadership decisions.
Rahane, however, remained defiant in the face of mounting pressure.
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“They didn’t expect Ajinkya Rahane to improve his game so much. I am happy that people are talking about me, whether negatively or positively. Let them talk,” he said.
With two defeats to start their campaign, the attention on Rahane and KKR will only intensify, but the captain has made it clear that he will not be backing down anytime soon.