Ajinkya Rahane is also under a lot of pressure regarding his captaincy and batting. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain has lost two matches and was on the verge of losing the third game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) last night, but the match got abandoned due to rain. Former cricketers were surprised by his decision.
A similar incident happened again last night; Everyone was surprised by Ajinkya Rahane’s decision to bat first after winning the toss on a wicket that was under cover for a day due to rain in Kolkata. KKR lost two early wickets of Finn Allen and Cameron Green in the process, and their chances were looking grim as the match was interrupted due to rain.
It was really amazing to captain KKR- Ajinkya Rahane
During an event, Ajinkya Rahane shared his experience of leading the KKR team, and also shared the love given to him by KKR fans over the years, ever since he has been playing for the franchise.
Rahane said, “It has been really amazing to captain KKR, and I am really grateful for the opportunity to lead the franchise. The passion the people here have for cricket and the culture is incredible. Whenever you play at Eden Gardens, sometimes the fans get upset, and I understand that because they love their game and are extremely passionate about the team.”
Rahane on leading KKR, his love-hate relationship with fans and playing at Eden Gardens.@ThumsUpOfficial @jinkyarahane88 @boriamjumdar pic.twitter.com/fjCZtWEXsJ
– RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) 7 April 2026
“Even in domestic cricket, whenever I have played at Eden Gardens, be it Mumbai vs Bengal or any other game, the crowd has always been very excited. So, it is always special to play at Eden Gardens. Every time we take the field, the aim is to perform well for the franchise. My journey so far has been really good, and I am still growing, learning, and I want to continue performing for the team.”
Shahrukh Khan has been amazing- Rahane on Shahrukh’s impact on KKR
Ajinkya Rahane was also asked about co-owner Shahrukh Khan, how he supports the team during defeats and how he motivates the team and also the players when it loses.
Rahane said, “As a leader, winning a championship like the IPL is always very important – for the city, for the state, and for an owner like Shahrukh Khan, who is very hands-on. I have been a part of this franchise for the last two years, including 2022, and the atmosphere and culture in the dressing room has been fantastic.”
“Shah Rukh Khan has been amazing in supporting and guiding everyone. He is like an elder brother and always stands by us in tough times. For us as players, what matters most is to give our best. The result is not always in our control, but the aim is always to win the championship.”
KKR still looking for first win
Ajinkya Rahane concluded, “We are giving our best and will continue to do so this season. Hopefully, we can lift the trophy for the owners and the franchise.”
The Knights are still in search of their first win of the Tata IPL 2026 as they are set to host Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who have had a start-stop season so far in the tournament. KKR vs LSG match is scheduled to take place on April 9, 2026.
Also read: Sourav Ganguly targeted Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir over the inclusion of Mohammed Shami in Team India.