They’re jealous: Ajinkya Rahane bashes critics in explosive press convention


In an explosive press convention after the heavy loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane hit again at his critics, saying these questioning his strike price within the IPL have a “sure agenda” towards him and are “jealous” of the success he has achieved.

Dealing with questions over back-to-back defeats, an inexperienced bowling assault and rising criticism of his batting, Rahane stated the scrutiny was misplaced, whilst KKR’s struggles with each bat and ball got here beneath focus.

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“My strike price I feel I’ve among the finest strike-rates up to now. I feel people who find themselves speaking about me are in all probability not watching the sport or they’ve sure agendas towards me,” Rahane advised reporters.

People who find themselves speaking both do not perceive the sport or need me to. play a special sort of innings.”

Taking part in his two hundredth IPL match, Rahane scored 8 off 10 balls earlier than falling to Jaydev Unadkat in the 65-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabada dismissal that added to the scrutiny round his strike price.

“They did not anticipate that Ajinkya Rahane would enhance his sport this a lot. So I am glad they’re speaking about me, destructive or constructive – both manner, I am actually glad that they’re speaking. Allow them to speak. Batting-wise, partner-wise, with Finn Allen, it has been superb. We had an excellent partnership in Mumbai. Within the first six overs, you all the time look to go fearless, play cricket with freedom. At occasions you’ll battle, that is okay – It is vital to just accept. However I do know what I did up to now, and I somewhat take into consideration whoever is speaking about me.”

Rahane’s strike price has been a speaking level, particularly together with his position as an opener this season, however the 37-year-old stated the narrative round his sport lacks context.

“My strike price, I feel I’ve among the finest strike charges so removed from 2020. People who find themselves speaking about me, in all probability not watching the sport or they’ve sure agenda towards me. They do not like me enjoying,” Rahane stated after KKR have been bowled out for 161 in 16 overs whereas chasing 227.

“They do not like to observe me play. The quantity of success which I received, I suppose they’re jealous about me. I’m not too apprehensive,” he added, doubling down on his stance.

Rahane, who scored 67 off 40 balls in KKR’s opening match towards Mumbai Indians on the Wankhede, stated fluctuations in rhythm are a part of the sport and shouldn’t be overanalyzed, particularly within the IPL.

“You guys know what I’m doing. Only one unhealthy innings. Not a foul innings, however my intent was that typically as a batter you do not get that rhythm, you do not get that move.

“People who find themselves speaking, they do not perceive the sport and I feel they need me to play a special sort of inning. They did not anticipate that Ajinkya Dhane will mainly enhance his sport this a lot. So I’m glad they’re speaking about me, destructive or constructive both manner.

“I’m actually glad that they’re speaking, allow them to speak. However batting-wise, partner-wise, it has been superb. We’ve got an excellent partnership in Mumbai.”

The KKR skipper additionally addressed issues over the workforce’s method, significantly within the powerplay, saying he’ll proceed to again an aggressive model regardless of current setbacks, whereas stressing the necessity for readability and perception as each the batting and bowling items look to search out consistency.

“For six overs, you all the time look to go fearless cricket. Play fearless cricket with freedom. At occasions, you’ll battle. That is okay. It is vital to just accept. However I do know what I’m doing.

“I do know what I did up to now and I again myself somewhat than serious about it. Whoever is speaking about me, allow them to speak,” Rahane stated, signing off with a transparent message to his critics as KKR look to arrest their slide.

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Printed By:

Saurabh Kumar

Printed On:

Apr 3, 2026 01:18 IST