Ajinkya Rahane is facing criticism not only because of the poor start of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing IPL 2026 season but also because of his absurd statements. With two defeats and only one rain-interrupted point against Punjab Kings, the pressure on KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane has increased considerably, with critics criticizing his captaincy and batting.
Amidst the massive opposition, former Australian captain and KKR opener Aaron Finch has come forward to support the criticized Rahane. Finch asked the current captain to remain calm, ignore the talks and proceed with confidence in the tournament.
KKR’s batting order is in complete confusion; Cameron Green has increased the problems in IPL 2026
One of the biggest concerns for Kolkata Knight Riders is the batting order, which has completely failed to cope with the opponent bowling attack so far this season. Rahane’s decision to open with Finn Allen is being heavily criticized as the combination has failed miserably.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Also read: Players shouldn’t say this: Virender Sehwag criticizes Ajinkya Rahane over controversial comment
And then, Cameron Green has thrown them completely off balance. The Australian all-rounder has still not bowled this season as Cricket Australia looks to manage his workload. This situation leaves KKR to play Green only as a batsman, and even that he is not contributing at all with the bat.
Green has failed to make any impact. His low returns and limited role have made everyone wonder whether KKR’s huge investment of over Rs 25 crore was worth it.
After much hue and cry in the Kolkata camp, Rahane reached his breaking point after the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) game. He said that critics are unfairly targeting him out of jealousy.
Rahane had said in the post-match press conference, “My strike rate… my strike rate since 2023 is the best I have ever had. People who are talking are probably not watching the game or have a certain agenda against me. They don’t like me playing. They don’t like watching me play. The amount of success I have had, I think they are jealous of it.”
Also read: Shreyas Iyer’s sister trolls Ajinkya Rahane’s KKR after washout; Punjab Kings has reached the top of the IPL 2026 table
Stop biting whoever is coming towards you: Aaron Finch to Ajinkya Rahane
Amidst the rising tension and uncertainty, Aaron Finch reminded Rahane that T20 cricket is unpredictable and every player goes through ups and downs. The T20 World Cup-winning skipper encouraged the Kolkata skipper to stay positive and focus on playing his natural game instead of reacting to every comment made from outside in the ongoing IPL 2026.
“Stop biting whoever is coming at you. You are a very, very good player. You have a talented team. Be really aggressive at the top of the order. T20 is a tough game. There will be ups and downs. You scored 220 in the first game as a team and lost in the second game as well, so come back, be aggressive,” Finch was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.
After the home game against PBKS was washed out due to rain, Kolkata Knight Riders got a point which took them to 8th in the IPL 2026 points table after losing the first two games. KKR will now host Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their next match at the Eden Gardens on April 9.
