Kolkata: Ajinkya Rahane struck a positive note despite Kolkata Knight Riders remaining winless after four matches in IPL 2026, following a narrow three-wicket defeat to Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens.
KKR posted a competitive 181/4 but were edged out in a last-ball thriller, as Mukul Choudhary produced a match-winning unbeaten 54 to seal the chase.
Rahane: “Tough loss, but proud of the team”
Reflecting on the defeat, Rahane admitted it was difficult to accept but praised his team’s overall effort.
“It’s a tough one to take, but really proud of the boys for the way we played. Mukul’s knock was defining,” he said after the match.
Despite the result, Rahane emphasised that the team showed strong intent and competed well in all departments.
Where KKR lost the game
KKR appeared in control during the middle overs and defended their total effectively for most of the innings. However, the final overs proved decisive.
Rahane acknowledged that execution slipped slightly at the death.
“In the last two overs, execution here and there can happen. Credit to Mukul for that partnership. They had nothing to lose and went hard every ball,” he explained.
He added that even good deliveries were punished due to the aggressive approach taken by LSG batters.
A challenging total on a tricky pitch
The KKR skipper pointed out that the score of 181 was not easy to chase given the conditions at Eden Gardens.
“180 on this wicket wasn’t easy. Let’s give credit to the batter for the way he batted,” Rahane said, reiterating that the bowlers had done a commendable job overall.
Final-over strategy revealed
Rahane also shared insights into KKR’s plan in the final over, revealing that the intention was to keep Avesh Khan on strike.
However, fielding restrictions and pressure situations made execution difficult.
“We had to keep five fielders up, and it’s tough on the bowlers,” he noted.
Bright spots despite losses
Even though KKR are yet to register a win this season, there were positives to take from the match:
- Rahane’s steady 41 at the top
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi contributing 45
- Rovman Powell finishing strongly with an unbeaten 39
These performances helped KKR post a competitive total.
Looking ahead
KKR will now aim to bounce back when they face Chennai Super Kings on April 14, a crucial fixture as they look to open their account in IPL 2026.
Conclusion
While the results haven’t gone their way so far, Ajinkya Rahane’s optimistic outlook highlights belief within the KKR camp. With close margins deciding matches, a turnaround could be just around the corner if the team continues to build on its positives.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)