The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahanehas come under heavy criticism for his batting approach in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026. However, the experienced batter has defended his intent, stating that he has always been an instinctive and attacking player.

Rahane emphasised that his evolution in T20 cricket has not been sudden but the result of years of deliberate effort and adaptation to the demands of the format. Despite questions surrounding his strike rate and KKR’s team combination early in the season, he remains confident in his approach and role within the side.

His remarks come at a time when both his personal performances and the team’s overall balance are under scrutiny, with KKR looking to bounce back after a slow start to their campaign.

“I have always been an instinctive player, an attacking player. But the franchises I played for earlier, my role was different. It's always been about the team for me—how I can contribute. Whatever the management asked at that point, it was about fulfilling that role to the best of my ability,” Rahane said as quoted by India Today.

Rahane’s comments follow a mixed start to the season, with modest scores in KKR’s first three games.

Questions continue to be raised about his role at the top of the order and the utilisation of the team’s power-hitters. Despite finishing as one of the leading run-scorers for KKR last season, the veteran batter has once again come under scrutiny over his strike rate and the overall balance of the side in the ongoing season.

“Three-four years back, I sat down and thought about how I can grow from here and update my batting. I started working on a few different shots. It took me one to one-and-a-half years to develop a couple of them. I just kept practising and got hit on my chest and stomach multiple times. When you have that passion to improve, you automatically try to get better. The last few years have been really good for me in this format, and I’m really enjoying my cricket,” said Rahane.

Rahane, who continues to lead the three-time champions despite their eighth-place finish last season, acknowledged the high expectations that come with representing a franchise backed by passionate supporters in Kolkata.

He also reflected on the responsibility of leadership, emphasising the need to lead by example and contribute consistently to the team’s success in the IPL.

“Captaining KKR has been really amazing.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this franchise. The passion for cricket in Kolkata is incredible. Whenever you play at Eden Gardens, the fans are emotional, and I understand that—they love the sport and are deeply passionate about the team. Winning the championship is always the goal,” Rahane said.