Giving a strong retort amidst all the criticism around his batting approach in the ongoing IPL 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane has asserted that he has always functioned as an instinctive and aggressive player. He clarified that while his role in previous franchises may have required a more anchor-based approach, his natural game has always been geared toward attacking. Rahane further emphasized that his recent evolution in T20 cricket is not accidental but the result of years of deliberate effort, including developing new shots and refining his technique to meet the demands of the modern game.
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I have always been an instinctive player, an attacking player: Ajinkya Rahane
These defensive comments arrive at a precarious time for KKR, as the team’s early-season struggles in the 2026 IPL have placed both Rahane's strike rate and his leadership under a microscope. Despite an impressive opening knock of 67 against Mumbai Indians, subsequent low scores have fueled debates among pundits and fans alike.
“I have always been an instinctive player, an attacking player. But the franchises I played for earlier, my role was different. It's always been about the team for me, how I can contribute. Whatever the management asked at that point, it was about fulfilling that role to the best of my ability,” Rahane said on the sideline of the third season of Bengal Pro T20 League.
Rahane’s recent remarks arrive on the heels of a polarizing start to the 2026 season. While he has shown flashes of his aggressive intent, most notably a brisk 67 against the Mumbai Indians—his overall output in the first three games has been inconsistent. This has sparked ongoing debates regarding his optimal position at the top of the order and whether his presence inadvertently limits the time available for the team’s more explosive power-hitters to make an impact.
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'3-4 years back, I sat down and thought how I can update my batting'
Despite being the franchise's leading run-scorer in the previous season, the veteran captain finds himself back under the microscope. Critics have specifically honed in on his strike rate and how it affects the team’s overall balance during the powerplay. As KKR searches for its first win of the campaign, Rahane faces the dual challenge of stabilizing the top order while proving that his evolved, attacking approach can still drive the team to competitive totals.
“Three-four years back, I sat down and thought about how I can grow from here and update my batting. I started working on a few different shots. It took me one to one-and-a-half years to develop a couple of them. I just kept practising and got hit on my chest and stomach multiple times. When you have that passion to improve, you automatically try to get better. The last few years have been really good for me in this format, and I’m really enjoying my cricket,” he added.
Despite KKR's disappointing eighth-place finish in the previous season, Rahane remains at the helm and is fully aware of the pressure that accompanies the role. He openly acknowledged the high expectations of the franchise's dedicated and passionate fanbase in Kolkata, recognizing that representing such a historic team requires a high level of accountability and performance.
Reflecting on his role as captain, Rahane emphasised the weight of leadership and the necessity of leading by example.
“Captaining KKR has been really amazing. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this franchise. The passion for cricket in Kolkata is incredible. Whenever you play at Eden Gardens, the fans are emotional, and I understand that, they love the sport and are deeply passionate about the team. Winning the championship is always the goal,” he further stated.