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Ajinkya Rahane-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were knocked out of IPL 2026 after suffering a crushing 40-run defeat against Delhi Capitals in their crucial match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 24. The defeat officially ended KKR’s playoff hopes after a season full of ups and downs.
Kolkata Knight Riders finished seventh in the IPL 2026 points table with 13 points from 14 matches. Even though they showed strong fight and made a good comeback in the second half of the tournament, their poor start at the beginning of the season ultimately cost them a place in the playoffs.
Ajinkya Rahane praised Anukul Roy and Karthik Tyagi
After a heartbreaking farewell, Ajinkya Rahane opened up about the positives of the 2026 season and praised the two youngsters Kartik Tyagi and Anukul Roy who impressed him the most.
Rahane believes that both the players took advantage of the opportunity brilliantly and they can become a very important part of the KKR team in the future. This season was particularly successful with the ball for Karthik.
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The young fast bowler finished IPL 2026 with 18 wickets and became one of the top performing Indian bowlers during the league stage.
Rahane told why KKR trusted Karthik Tyagi?
His pace, aggression and confidence impressed the KKR management throughout the tournament. Rahane revealed that Tyagi looked mentally prepared right from the practice matches before the start of the season and understood what the team expected from him.
Ajinkya Rahane said at the post-match press conference in Kolkata: “Talking about Kartik Tyagi, he was candid. We played practice games – two, three practice matches –[and] Practice sessions too. He was really clear about his thought process. As a bowler you will score runs, but as long as you are clear about what you want to do for your team, that is what matters.
KKR favor Anuvil Roy for regular opportunities before IPL 2026 begins
Anukul Roy was also another surprise success story for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. The left-arm spinner took nine wickets in 12 matches and also contributed with the bat, scoring 89 runs in 7 innings during this season.
Rahane revealed that the KKR team management had decided before the season that Anuvat deserves to be in the playing eleven for a long time due to his excellent performances in domestic cricket.
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KKR further praised Roy, “When we sat down [at the start of the season]I thought, this is a good time to come and play every game for the friendly. Syed Mushtaq Ali had a great season for him. I believe whoever has a good season in the domestic league, you take that confidence forward. Anukul Roy did just that.”
Ajinkya Rahane predicts bright future for Anukul Roy and Karthik Tyagi
Rahane believes this season could be the beginning for both Tyagi and Roy. The KKR captain said that both the youngsters have the talent and mentality to play for India in the future.
He signed off by saying, “For these two guys, this is just the beginning. I’m sure they have the potential to do really well in the future and play at the highest level.”
