Never one to step down: Rahane reflects on KKR’s tough IPL season

Dismissing suggestions that he ever considered stepping down as Kolkata Knight Riders captain during their disastrous start to IPL 2026, Ajinkya Rahane reflected on a turbulent campaign that eventually ended with the three-time champions missing out on the playoffs on the final day of the league stage.

KKR’s season had looked all but over midway through the tournament after injuries and squad disruptions severely weakened the side. Despite being one of the biggest spenders at the 2025 auction, KKR struggled for consistency after losing key players, including having to part ways with Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, and at one stage suffered six consecutive completed defeats.

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Rahane compared the situation to India’s famous Test series comeback in Australia under his leadership after the Adelaide collapse in 2020-21. “The similarities between that and this were hard to ignore,” Rahane said, adding that the team’s focus throughout the season was simply to “stay together”.

KKR entered their final league game against Delhi Capitals on Sunday without following live updates from the other crucial fixture between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians. Rahane revealed the squad had decided not to track the result during the match.

The players only learnt that Rajasthan had beaten Mumbai, officially eliminating KKR from playoff contention, after DC completed their innings and KKR were set a target of 204. KKR were eventually bowled out for 163 and finished seventh on the points table.

Rahane also dismissed suggestions that he considered stepping down as captain during the difficult phase of the season.

“As cricketers, we are what we are because of our fans,” Rahane said. “They appreciate when we do well and criticise when we don’t. This is part of the game and all cricketers understand this. For me, I have played my whole cricket with the right attitude. Character has always been very important for me. I am never one that steps down. When the team is struggling, it is important to show your character.”

Reflecting on the turnaround after six straight defeats, Rahane said belief within the squad never disappeared.

“Pressure does come, yes, it is very natural. Pressure comes to the privileged. When you lose five-six matches, your mind goes to the past and future, but it is important to stay in that moment. Things can turn around anytime. I told the players after losing six games that it just takes one game to change things around; the most important thing for the team is to believe and keep doing what we are doing.”

“We had to make some changes, but that’s fine. We accepted that sometimes we played some bad cricket. The long break before the Rajasthan Royals game helped,” he added.

Rahane signed off by praising the squad’s fighting spirit despite missing out on the playoffs.

“Players hardly get to experience this kind of comeback, the kind of comeback we did – came so far – from those seven games onwards,” Rahane said. “Hats off to each and every one. There’s lots to learn. Yes, you always feel bad when you don’t qualify for the playoffs, and every team wants to be in the top four. But for me, as a leader of the team, I’m really proud of the boys, how they handled themselves.”