Kolkata: Ajinkya Rahane, captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, has strongly responded to criticism surrounding his strike rate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), attributing the ongoing chatter to “agenda and jealousy” during a post-match press conference.
Rahane’s remarks came after KKR suffered their second consecutive defeat, this time against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The experienced batter appeared visibly frustrated when questioned about his approach, especially following a modest outing where he scored 8 runs off 10 balls.
Rahane defends his strike rate
Addressing the media, Rahane asserted that his strike rate since 2023 has been among the best, dismissing criticism as unfounded and biased. He suggested that those questioning his approach either do not fully understand the game or have a preconceived notion against him.
“I think I have one of the best strike rates so far from 2023. People who are talking about me are probably not watching the game or they have a certain agenda,” Rahane said.
He further added that some critics simply do not appreciate his style of play, hinting that personal bias may be influencing public discourse. The comments highlighted the growing scrutiny on senior players in the fast-paced T20 format, where strike rate often becomes a key metric of performance.
Performance and pressure
Rahane’s recent innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad drew attention as KKR struggled to build momentum in their chase. While his 8 off 10 balls did not significantly impact the match, the broader criticism has been linked to the team’s recent losses.
Despite the current pressure, Rahane maintained that one innings should not define a player’s capability. He emphasised that his intent was clear, even if the execution did not go as planned.
“Sometimes as a batter, you don’t get that rhythm or flow. My intent was there,” he explained, adding that external opinions do not affect his mindset.
KKR’s back-to-back defeats have intensified scrutiny on both the team’s strategy and individual performances. As captain, Rahane is expected to lead from the front, making his form and strike rate a focal point of analysis.
‘Jealousy’ behind criticism, says Rahane
Taking a stronger stance, Rahane claimed that his success in the IPL has led to jealousy among some critics. He pointed out that his consistent performances over the years have proven his adaptability in the shortest format.
“The amount of success which I got, I guess they are jealous of me. I am not too worried,” he said.
Rahane added that he welcomes attention, whether positive or negative, and remains focused on contributing to his team’s success. His remarks reflect a seasoned player’s attempt to block out noise while navigating the pressures of professional cricket.
Journey through IPL seasons
Rahane’s T20 resurgence began during his stint with Chennai Super Kings in 2023, where he reinvented his approach to the format. That season, he scored 326 runs at an impressive strike rate of 172.49, earning praise for his aggressive intent.
However, the 2024 season proved less fruitful, with Rahane managing 242 runs at a strike rate of 123.47. Following that campaign, he was released by Chennai Super Kings and subsequently joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2025, where he was also handed the captaincy role.
In IPL 2025, Rahane accumulated 390 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 147.73. Despite his individual contributions, KKR failed to qualify for the playoffs, adding to the pressure on the veteran batter ahead of the current season.
Looking ahead
As the IPL progresses, Rahane’s role as both captain and senior batter will remain crucial for Kolkata Knight Riders. His ability to balance stability with aggression will be key to the team’s fortunes in upcoming matches.
While criticism is an inevitable part of professional sport, Rahane’s response underlines his determination to stay focused and prove his critics wrong. Whether his performances in the coming games can silence the debate remains to be seen, but his experience and composure could play a pivotal role in KKR’s campaign.