Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane has raised eyebrows throughout the cricketing world by declaring himself “proud” of his group regardless of a nightmarish begin to IPL 2026. With 4 matches performed, zero wins, one washout, and three consecutive defeats, KKR sits all-time low of the factors desk. But, after a three-wicket last-ball loss to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Eden Gardens, Rahane selected to concentrate on the positives slightly than panic.
The assertion has sparked intense debate amongst followers and specialists. However a better have a look at the match and Rahane’s clarification reveals why the veteran captain stays optimistic.
KKR loses last-ball thriller towards LSG
KKR’s newest defeat got here in probably the most agonising style doable. Defending 181/4, the Knight Riders took the sport to the ultimate supply. LSG’s Mukul Chaudhary smashed an unbeaten 54 off 27 balls to grab victory, however the margin was razor-thin – simply three wickets and a single ball to spare.
On a pitch that was removed from a batting paradise, 181 was a extremely aggressive whole. In contrast to a one-sided collapse, KKR pushed the opposition to the brink, showcasing struggle and resilience that Rahane believes bodes effectively for the remainder of the event.
Rahane’s post-match response
Talking on the post-match presentation, Rahane didn’t draw back from expressing his true emotions.
“Robust one to take, however actually pleased with the boys for the best way we performed,” he mentioned. “Mukul’s knock was defining, however the struggle we confirmed – particularly with the bat – offers me numerous perception.”
He elaborated that the dressing room ambiance stays constructive as a result of the group is dropping by small margins slightly than getting blown away. “We’re proper there. One good over, one fortunate break, and the outcomes will flip,” Rahane added.
Key positives for KKR
Regardless of the winless run, Rahane pointed to concrete on-field enhancements which have gone unnoticed within the loss column.
Batting depth: KKR posted 181/4 towards LSG, with Rahane himself scoring 41, younger Angkrish Raghuvanshi hitting 45, and Rovman Powell smashing an unbeaten 39 off simply 20 balls.
Bowling dight: The bowlers took the sport to the ultimate over, with Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy making use of strain at essential moments.
Aggressive scores: Of their earlier matches, KKR have persistently posted or chased totals above 160, indicating that the batting unit is firing.
Rahane particularly praised the center order for stepping up within the absence of key abroad gamers.
Additionally WATCH: Ajinkya Rahane launches a bizarre six as his bat slips mid-shot during KKR vs LSG encounter
Rahane’s tactical clarification: Why the ultimate over didn’t go to plan?
One of many greatest criticisms after the LSG loss was KKR’s execution within the remaining over. Rahane supplied an in depth tactical breakdown to defend his bowlers.
“Our plan was to maintain Avesh Khan on strike as a result of we felt he was much less explosive. However with solely two fielders allowed exterior the circle within the final over, it’s very onerous to manage the boundary. Mukul performed a gem of an innings. Typically you must settle for that the opposition batter was higher on the day,” he defined.
He additionally famous that the Eden Gardens pitch had slowed down significantly, making it tough for brand new batters to begin hitting instantly. The truth that LSG struggled till the ultimate ball, he argued, proved that KKR’s whole was certainly defendable.
The Knight Riders will subsequent face Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK) on April 14 at Chepauk. A win there wouldn’t solely open their account but in addition restore confidence. For now, Rahane’s message is evident: don’t decide this group by the scoreboard alone. The struggle is actual, and the turnaround is coming.
Additionally READ: Fans go wild as Mukul Choudhary’s late blitz powers LSG to thrilling win over KKR in IPL 2026
