Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane looked satisfied with his batting performance in the team’s opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Sunday, March 29.
Opening the innings alongside Finn Allen, Rahane played an attacking knock of 67 runs from just 40 balls. His innings included three fours and five sixes. His effort helped Kolkata Knight Riders post a big total of 220 runs in 20 overs against Mumbai Indians.
Ajinkya Rahane talks about improvement and criticism after MI vs KKR
Rahane said he was happy with how he is batting right now. He also spoke about working hard on his T20 game over the last few years.
“I’m really happy the way I’m batting at the moment. I’m not here to show anyone how talented I am. Let them watch, let them talk, but I’m really happy the way I have improved my game in the last two-three years in the white-ball T20 format. It’s important to grow as a cricketer as a batsman, and that’s what I’m trying to do. People will keep talking and let them talk,” Rahane told the reporters after the game against MI.
However, despite his strong performance, KKR could not win the match. Mumbai Indians chased down the target comfortably with six wickets in hand. Their openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton played brilliant innings. Rohit scored 78 off 38 balls, while Rickelton added 81 runs.
Rahane believed that 220 was a good score but felt his team could have done better. He credited Jasprit Bumrah for his excellent bowling in the death overs.
“We all thought initially 220 was a good total, we were on the path to get around 235, 240. But those two overs from Bumrah made a lot of difference. I know why he’s such a great bowler,” he added.
KKR will now look to bounce back in their next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2 at Eden Gardens.
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