Ajinkya Rahane slams critics, says strike rate debate driven by agenda

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has defended his batting after facing criticism over his strike rate following KKR’s 65-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday. Chasing 227 , the home side collapsed to 161 in 16 overs , leaving them winless so far this season.

Rahane, who scored 8 off 10 balls , dismissed the criticism as driven by “agenda and jealousy.” “I think I have one of the best strike rates since 2020. People talking about me probably aren’t watching the game or have an agenda. They don’t like to see me succeed,” he said.

Approaching 38 , Rahane has been a transformed T20 batter. He topped Mumbai’s run charts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy , scoring 391 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 161.57 , and was KKR’s leading run-scorer last season despite the franchise finishing eighth.

Some concerns remain over his middle-over slowdown , as seen against Mumbai Indians , when he scored 36 off 18 balls, then 31 off 22 balls without a boundary . Rahane said: “Sometimes you don’t get the rhythm. One innings doesn’t define me. In the powerplay, the approach is always fearless cricket.”

KKR started well against SRH with Finn Allen smashing 28 off seven balls , but the innings faltered due to lack of partnerships and two costly run-outs involving Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green . Rahane noted: “The middle overs were crucial. Hyderabad executed slower balls and angles very well.”

He also backed Varun Chakravarthy , who bowled only two overs after conceding 25 in his first . “Varun needs support. Bowling fewer overs sometimes helps regain confidence,” Rahane said.

Looking ahead, KKR face Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants and may add an extra batter. Rahane remained confident: “I know my game. Let people talk, positive or negative. I back myself.”