Watch: 'Let them talk...'- Ajinkya Rahane lashes out at strike rate critics after successive defeats in IPL 2026

Heading into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the speculation was whether the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain, Ajinkya Rahane, would be able to get the same aggression inside the powerplay, having been away from competitive cricket for a long time, as he has been criticized for his strike rate.

Meanwhile, the Knight Riders lost both their first two clashes against the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In the second encounter, they were bundled out for 161 runs in 16 overs during their chase of 227 runs, and now find themselves in the ninth position among ten teams.

Ajinkya Rahane hits back at strike rate critics

Apart from Finn Allen, no batter was able to get the aggression for the KKR side. Ajinkya Rahane, himself, scored only eight runs in nine balls before top-edging Jaydev Unadkat for a slower ball. Since IPL 2023, only Abhishek Sharma (176.56) has a better strike rate than Rahane (167.78) in the powerplay among Indians (250 balls faced). 

“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. 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.” Rahane expressed in the post-match presentation.

The Mumbai-born reckoned that he would continue to go with the same flow, without putting focus on the criticism, as he hasn’t been worried about his intent.

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“I'm not too worried, yaar. My intent was there. Sometimes, as a batter, you don't get the rhythm or the flow. People who are talking either don't understand the game, or they want me to play a different kind of innings. They didn't expect that Ajinkya Rahane would improve his game this much. I am happy they are talking about me - negative or positive.” The KKR captain addressed.

“The first six overs, you need to look to play fearless 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've done in the past, and I back myself instead of thinking about what others are saying. Whoever is talking about it, let them talk.” The veteran informed.

Rahane’s performance in IPL 2026

Rahane, in the opening game at the iconic Wankhede Stadium against the Mumbai Indians, slammed a fine knock of 67 runs in 40 balls at a strike rate of 167.50, thanks to three boundaries and five sixes. He slowed down after getting his fifty in 29 balls.

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In the home clash against SRH, he struggled for his eight runs in 10 balls and didn’t get any boundaries, even while facing Abhishek Sharma inside the first six overs.

Fans’ reaction to Rahane’s reply to strike rate critics

Here is how the fans have reacted to the reply of Rahane to his strike rate critics-