Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane did not mince words while responding to criticism around his batting approach in the IPL. Rahane, who has been out of the Indian side for a while, has frequently faced questions over his suitability in the T20 format, with his role and position at KKR also coming under scrutiny over the past few seasons. The experienced red-ball specialist was picked up by KKR in last year’s mega auction during the accelerated round. With limited captaincy options available, the franchise placed its faith in him to take charge of a side that has previously lifted the IPL title three times, backing both his leadership and experience.
In IPL 2025, he scored 390 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 147.73, while his team faltered in their title defence, failing to qualify for the playoffs.
Rahane hit back strongly at his critics, calling out what he believes is a clear agenda against him while defending his T20 credentials. The KKR skipper pointed to his strike rate since 2023 and questioned the narrative around his game, suggesting those doubting him either aren’t watching closely or simply don’t want to see him succeed.
“I think I have one of the best strike rates so far from 2023,” Rahane said in the post-match press conference. “People who are talking about me (are) probably not watching the game or they have a certain agenda against me. They don’t like me playing. They don’t like to watch me play,” he added.
Rahane reshaped his T20 approach in IPL 2023, enjoying a strong run with Chennai Super Kings, where he played a key role in their title triumph with brisk middle-order knocks. He finished the season with 326 runs at an impressive strike rate of 172.49. However, 2024 turned out to be a disappointing campaign, as he managed 242 runs at a modest strike rate of 123.47. He did show some improvement the following season, lifting his strike rate to 147.73, but those efforts weren’t quite enough to make a telling difference to his team’s overall results.
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Ajinkya Rahane not worried about critics
Meanwhile, Rahane didn’t stop there, doubling down on his stance as he brushed aside the criticism and suggested that much of the noise stems from jealousy rather than a fair reading of his performances, while insisting his intent with the bat has remained clear despite the occasional off day.
“The amount of success which I got, I guess they are jealous of me. I am not too worried. You guys know what I am doing. Just one bad innings…not a bad inning, but my intent was there. Sometimes as a batter, you don’t get that rhythm, you don’t get that flow. People who are talking, either they don’t understand the game (or) I think they want me to play a different kind of innings,” he added.
The KKR skipper began the season on a strong note, smashing a 67-run knock against Mumbai Indians at a strike rate of 167.50. However, he faltered in the next outing against SRH, managing just 8 off 10 balls, as his side ended up losing both of their first two matches.
Rahane signed off on a defiant note, making it clear he remains unfazed by the chatter around him and is, in fact, embracing the attention, regardless of whether it comes in praise or criticism.
“They didn’t expect that Ajinkya Rahane will basically prove his game this much. So I am happy they are talking about me, negative or positive, either way. I am really happy that they are talking. Let them talk,” he said.
