‘Stop biting at everybody’: Ajinkya Rahane told to calm down after ‘jealous’ rant at critics

After KKR's defeat against SRH, Ajinkya Rahane didn't hold back, responding to critics and questions about his strike rate.

Updated on: Apr 7, 2026, 08:01:46 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Aaron Finch rushed to Ajinkya Rahane's defence, urging the Kolkata Knight Riders captain to avoid reacting to critics. Rahane is currently facing a lot of criticism as KKR skipper. In IPL 2026, KKR have gotten off to a terrible start, losing their opening two games. Then, in their third fixture, they earned a point against Punjab Kings, courtesy of rain. The KKR batting order has failed to take on opposition bowlers, and Rahane is also being criticised for opening the innings with Finn Allen.

Ajinkya Rahane has been facing criticism as KKR skipper. (ANI Pic Service)

To make matters worse, there has also been controversy around Cameron Green. The Aussie all-rounder hasn't bowled this season due to his recovery from an injury, as instructed by Cricket Australia. He has batted at No. 3 and 4, but has failed to perform.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan spotted having intense chat with KKR CEO Venky Mysore as 3-time IPL champions struggle

After their defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rahane didn't hold back, responding to critics and questions about his strike rate. He accused his critics of having a certain agenda against him.

“My strike rate... I have the best strike rate so far, from 2023. People who are talking are probably not watching the game or have a certain agenda against me,” Rahane said.

“They don't like me playing. They don't like to watch me play. The amount of success I've got, I guess they're jealous about that.”

Aaron Finch defends Ajinkya Rahane

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Finch, a former teammate of Rahane, said, "Stop biting everybody that's coming at you. You are a very, very good player. You have a talented team. Continue to be really aggressive at the top of the order."

"T20 is a hard game. There's going to be ups and downs. You got 220 in the first game as a team and lost out in the second game as well, so back to the wall, be aggressive," he added.

Rahane and KKR got their first point of the season on Monday. Rain came to their rescue after Finn Allen (6) and Cameron Green's (4) early dismissals in the second over. The hosts reached 25/2 in 3.4 overs, and rain stopped play. Finally, due to a wet outfield, the match was abandoned.

Rahane is factually wrong when it comes to talking about his strike rate. Since IPL 2023, he is 88th on the strike rate list. During this period, he has played 42 matches, averaging at 29.51 and has a strike rate of 147.78. In the list for players who have faced at least 50 balls, he is 64th, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi leads the pack with a strike rate of 218.70.

KKR are now eighth in the standings after three matches. They need to get their campaign back on track, and the rain against Punjab came as a blessing, helping them get their first point of the season.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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