Ajinkya Rahane bashes critics in explosive press conference after SRH loss: They are jealous of me

In an explosive press conference after the heavy loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane hit back at his critics, saying those questioning his strike rate in the IPL have a “certain agenda” against him and are “jealous” of the success he has achieved.

Facing questions over back-to-back defeats, an inexperienced bowling attack and growing criticism of his batting, Rahane said the scrutiny was misplaced, even as KKR’s struggles with both bat and ball came under focus.

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“My strike rate I think I have one of the best strike-rates so far. I think people who are talking about me are probably not watching the game or they have certain agendas against me,” Rahane told reporters.

“They don’t like me playing, they don’t like to watch me play. The amount of success I’ve had, I guess they are jealous of me. I’m not too worried. You guys know what I’m doing. Just one bad innings – well, not a bad innings – but my intent was there. Sometimes as a batter you don’t get that rhythm, you don’t get that flow. People who are talking either don’t understand the game or want me to play a different kind of innings.”

Playing his 200th IPL match, Rahane scored 8 off 10 balls before falling to Jaydev Unadkat in the 65-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, a dismissal that added to the scrutiny around his strike rate.

“They didn’t expect that Ajinkya Rahane would improve his game this much. So I’m happy they are talking about me, negative or positive – either way, I’m really happy that they are talking. Let them talk. Batting-wise, partner-wise, with Finn Allen, it has been amazing. We had a very good partnership in Mumbai. In the first six overs, you always look to go fearless, play cricket with freedom. At times you will struggle, that’s okay – it’s important to accept. But I know what I’m doing, I know what I did in the past, and I back myself rather than thinking about whoever is talking about me. Let them talk.”

Rahane’s strike rate has been a talking point, especially with his role as an opener this season, but the 37-year-old said the narrative around his game lacks context.

“My strike rate, I think I have one of the best strike rates so far from 2020. People who are talking about me, probably not watching the game or they have certain agenda against me. They don’t like me playing,” Rahane said after KKR were bowled out for 161 in 16 overs while chasing 227.

“They don’t like to watch me play. The amount of success which I got, I guess they are jealous about me. I am not too worried,” he added, doubling down on his stance.

Rahane, who scored 67 off 40 balls in KKR’s opening match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede, said fluctuations in rhythm are part of the game and should not be overanalysed, especially in the IPL.

“You guys know what I am doing. Just one bad innings. Not a bad innings, but my intent was that sometimes as a batter you don’t get that rhythm, you don’t get that flow.

“People who are talking, they don’t understand the game and I think they want me to play a different kind of inning. They didn’t expect that Ajinkya Dhane will basically improve his game this much. So I am happy they are talking about me, negative or positive either way.

“I am really happy that they are talking, let them talk. But batting-wise, partner-wise, it’s been amazing. We have a very good partnership in Mumbai.”

The KKR skipper also addressed concerns over the team’s approach, particularly in the powerplay, saying he will continue to back an aggressive style despite recent setbacks, while stressing the need for clarity and belief as both the batting and bowling units look to find consistency.

“For six overs, you always look to go fearless cricket. Play fearless cricket with freedom. At times, you will struggle. That’s okay. It’s important to accept. But I know what I am doing.

“I know what I did in the past and I back myself rather than thinking about it. Whoever is talking about me, let them talk,” Rahane said, signing off with a clear message to his critics as KKR look to arrest their slide.

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