'People have been talking about me for 20 years': Ajinkya Rahane fires back at critics after KKR’s loss to MI
Table of Contents
Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane bashed his critics, claiming that people have been talking about him for 20 years, and added that he is not here to prove anything and is just enjoying his game.
Kolkata Knight Riders might have made just the right call in their first game as they switched to a proper opening pair with Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen, instead of trying out the ultra-aggressive approach of having Sunil Narine open with the New Zealand batter.
Rahane did not disappoint as an opener. He rather surpassed Finn Allen's tally of runs and smashed more sixes than the New Zealand opener. He helped Kolkata understand what their game is, threatening MI's bowling deck and providing the foundation for the mammoth 220 run total.
"People have been talking about me for 20 years, let them talk" - Ajinkya Rahane
After the MI vs KKR game ended in favour of the Mumbai Indians, the press didn't back out on launching some attacks on Ajinkya Rahane; however, the KKR skipper was ready to face the fire.
In the post-match press meet, he said, "People will talk. People have been talking about me for the past 20 years; let them talk. I am currently satisfied with the type of batting. I am not here to show anyone how talented I am or what's my game, I have nothing to prove."
The KKR skipper added, "I am really happy, over the last 2-3 white ball T20 tournaments. The way I have improved my game. It is very important to improve as a cricketer."
🚨“LET THEM TALK” – AJINKYA RAHANE ON CRITICS🚨
He said🎙️- People have been talking about me for years, let them talk. I’m really happy with how I’m batting right now. I’m not here to prove anything to anyone. Growth as a cricketer is what matters most🤯pic.twitter.com/iEzUkQ6PEhfirst-everricsam01) March 30, 2026
We were on course for 235-240 but those two Bumrah overs made the difference - Ajinkya Rahane
Mumbai Indians didn't have the outing they would have desired with the ball; however, their batters fired in with the bat to help Mumbai to their first-ever win in the opening game of an IPL, ending their 13-year-long drought.
Rohit Sharma produced a gem of an innings as the Indian great started off his IPL campaign with an absolute flyer. However, the KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane suggested that not Rohit Sharma, but Jasprit Bumrah provided MI with their first major turnaround.
Bumrah bowled 2 overs in the death and gave away 19 runs without picking up a wicket. This forced KKR to wind up their innings for a total of 220, as revealed by the skipper.
“We were on course for 235-240 but those two Bumrah overs made the difference. But we still thought 220 was good enough. Credit to MI batters," said Captain Rahane.
Will an injured Ajinkya Rahane lead KKR in their first home game of 2026?
Though he batted brilliantly, Rahane's presence on the field was soon cut short by a cramp. He had to leave the field and was seated out for the rest of the game, while Rinku Singh led the Kolkata Knight Riders on the field.
Kolkata might have made a losing start, but they will play their first home game next time against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on the 2nd of April. This will be KKR's second game of the season, and the skipper's availability is uncertain.
However, Rahane positively claimed that he will be alright and would be available to lead them in their upcoming game as well.
About the Author
This author is a member of Cricketaddictor who writes news and analysis related to cricket.
