Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane heaped praise on veteran all-rounder Sunil Narine after KKR’s dominant win over the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League 2026. Rahane revealed that Narine’s experience and self-driven approach make him one of the easiest players to captain.
KKR produced a clinical all-round performance on Friday, comfortably chasing down Delhi’s target while significantly improving their net run rate in the race for the IPL 2026 playoffs.\
Ajinkya Rahane reveals why Sunil Narine needs little guidance
Speaking after the match, Rahane admitted that players like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy require very little intervention from the captain due to their experience and understanding of the game.
"I think just leave him alone. As a captain, I'm so lucky to have Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy in our side. You don't have to tell them too much," Rahane said.
The KKR skipper further highlighted Narine’s hunger to keep improving despite being one of the most experienced players in franchise cricket.
"He's learning every day, even the practice session, he's there, attentive, trying to learn something or the other from other players as well. Sharing his experience with everyone," he added.
Rahane also revealed how Narine’s calm presence and tactical awareness help him on the field during pressure situations.
"That's what helped me also on the field, sharing his experience. So, I'm really happy that whenever I tell him, Sunny, if you have to bowl, come and bowl. He's always ready for that," Ajinkya Rahane stated.
The KKR captain also stressed the importance of staying present and focused throughout the tournament.
"It's all about staying in the moment, what we discuss in the dugout and the dressing room. It's always about being in the moment. We've been playing very good cricket in the first five games," he concluded.
Finn Allen’s century powers KKR to massive victory
Kolkata Knight Riders delivered a commanding performance against Delhi Capitals after restricting them to a modest total in the first innings.
DC struggled to build momentum with the bat despite contributions from Pathum Nissanka and Ashutosh Sharma, eventually posting just 142 runs in 20 overs.
In reply, KKR opener Finn Allen completely took the game away from Delhi with a sensational unbeaten century. The explosive batter smashed 100 runs off only 47 deliveries, including 10 sixes, helping Kolkata chase down the target in just 14.2 overs.
Rahane admitted he was especially pleased for Allen after the batter endured a difficult start to the season.
"First of all, let me just say I'm really happy for Finn Allen. He was struggling first four or five games, working really hard, but the way he batted tonight was fantastic," Ajinkya Rahane said.
The emphatic win not only revived KKR’s momentum but also strengthened their chances in the IPL 2026 playoff race.