IPL 2026: Who said what after KKR vs RR match 28

Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals Captain):

"The first 4-5 overs we assessed, it was a 170-run wicket. We were 10 under par for starters. The way we clawed back, the efforts the bowlers put in, it was insane and it was our game. No excuses there. We can't be dropping catches, we can't be bowling lines that favor the batsmen. Silly errors from our side but this was our game. Spin was extracting a lot. The way Bishi and Punja bowled, I felt the need of the hour was spin and that's what I went with. When it works out it looks nice but then I felt it worked out today as well but then just a few errors here and there that cost us 2 points. I think he was almost there to bowl the 14th and the 16th as well. But they lost 2 wickets, there were 2 left-handers so I brought myself in and the spinners were going really well so I showed trust in the spinners to get a wicket and we almost did that. Once Bishnoi's over was done, I felt spinners might go here. The way the middle order executed today, they all set a platform. Me and Hettie took 10-15 balls each and when it was time to go we didn't execute our shots. The game plan was there. Collectively during the timeout we felt it was a 170 wicket and we wanted to give ourselves some time and go 5 overs. We tried doing that but it didn't really come off but I'm happy with the way the boys are thinking. Hopefully we put a clinical game for 40 overs the next time. Everyone who plays for Rajasthan Royals, I have full confidence and full faith in them. You throw them in the deep end and they come out shining. Punja bowled really well. A few nerves in his first over but once he bowls and keeps on bowling these hard overs for us, then there's a chance he's gonna become a great bowler for us."

Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders Captain):

"First of all, really happy to be here. I got five extra minutes after the game. There were a lot of emotions going on during the game. Personally, I am really happy for Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy and Varun Chakaravarthy. The way he bowled in the middle, he was going through a tough phase but he has bowled well in the last three games. Rinku, again, going through tough phase mentally. Really happy to see him finish the game. Anukul Roy, he had a fantastic domestic season. Today, he could not bowl because of the left-handers. But really happy to see how they batted for us. I like to have one-on-one conversations. All the coaches have been having a conversation with the players. It is about reading the situations well. I think cricket is a simple game if you keep it simple. Last three games, bowlers are coming to their own, bowling in groups. Batting wise, yes, we need some improvements. Again, as I said, lots of positives to take from this game. He has been really good. From the practice games, he has been really clear about his ability. What he wants to do in the middle, when you have a guy like that, who's really clear. Coming and playing after a long time. The confidence he has to what he wants to bowl in different situations is good to see. The pace at which he's been bowling is fantastic. There's lots to learn from every game. Batting powerplay has not been good for us in the last three games. Sometimes I feel strike-rate is overrated. On this kind of wicket, you have to focus on singles and doubles, it is not about hitting big sixes. Last couple of games, we made those errors. It was a great escape for us. Thankfully, we will get those 5 days now. We need to reflect and learn from our mistakes. As a team we have to come together probably, be honest with each other and have clear communication. The atmosphere in the dressing room in excellent. They have been fantastic. The last five games have been bad for us, this win belongs to them. Once you enter the stadium, the positive energy you feel because of the cheers is amazing."

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Rinku Singh (Kolkata Knight Riders):

"It happens sometimes, when the runs don't come, you kind of get frustrated. I had a word with the coaches and other batters, we just wanted to take the game deep. Yes, sometimes mind doesn't work and that's how you play rash shots. The god was with me, the catch was put down and we won the game. Yes, I have had too many innings without a big knock. This is a special innings for me. I don't think too much about it. I can bat at any position. Wherever the team wants me to bat, I am ready. We would like to carry this momentum with us for the rest of the tournament."

Varun Chakaravarthy (Player of the Match):

"Before I talk about myself, let me take a moment and give credit to the entire coaching staff. Tough few weeks for us, lots of outside noise coming in. The head coach and the other coaches didn't let the outside noise affect us. We were in our own process. So I think we all deserve this win, even though it's just one win, it feels very sweet. Initially, I was injured. I still have two fractures in my left hand. It is a little tough but I am trying to manage it. I would say, it was a little slow. Suited us well. We could have batted better."