“Proud of everyone”: Ajinkya Rahane lauds entire KKR team despite disappointing end to IPL 2026

Reflecting on a Campaign of Resilience

The conclusion of the IPL 2026 league stage saw the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face off against the Delhi Capitals at the iconic Eden Gardens. While the match ultimately served as a dead rubber with no impact on the final top-four standings, it provided a poignant moment for KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane to assess the emotional and professional journey of his squad. Despite the disappointing end to the fixture—where KKR chased a target of 203 only to be bundled out for 163 in 18.4 overs—the narrative surrounding the team remains one of pride rather than defeat.

The Turning Point at Eden Gardens

For a significant portion of the chase, the Kolkata Knight Riders appeared firmly in control. Ajinkya Rahane was batting with palpable confidence, steering the ship and keeping the team within striking distance of the Delhi Capitals’ total. However, the momentum shifted dramatically following a single, pivotal over from Kuldeep Yadav. This sequence dismantled the KKR batting order, and once Rahane departed, the remaining lineup struggled to maintain the required run rate, ultimately succumbing to the pressure.

Rahane’s Perspective on the Season

At the post-match presentation ceremony, Rahane spoke candidly about the difficulties of the pitch, noting that it was particularly tricky to navigate in the early stages of the innings. Despite the loss and the fact that the team did not qualify for the playoffs, the skipper emphasized that the true measure of their season was the grit they displayed after a rocky start.

“I was batting really well and knew one batter had to go through, so I tried to take my chances,” Rahane explained. “Talking about the kind of season we had, I am really proud of everyone. The situation we were in after six games and then from there coming back, keeping the league alive, and playing that kind of cricket needed character, a good attitude, and resilience. I am really proud of every individual.”

Overcoming High-Pressure Moments

The IPL is notoriously unforgiving, a long and taxing tournament where high-pressure situations are the norm rather than the exception. Rahane highlighted that the team’s biggest achievement was not the final points tally, but the ability to regroup after the first half of the season.

• Character Building: The team fostered a culture of sticking together during losing streaks.
• Positive Attitude: Players remained committed to their roles despite the mounting pressure.
• Internal Morale: The atmosphere within the dressing room remained focused and supportive throughout the duration of the campaign.

“In the first half of the season, there were key moments where we were losing out, but after that, coming back from there is never easy,” Rahane added. “Inside the dressing room, we all were really happy with how we stayed strong and had that character and attitude in every game.”

Looking Toward the Future

As the curtains fall on the 2026 IPL, the focus for the Kolkata Knight Riders now shifts to planning for the future. Rahane confirmed that the players would take some well-deserved time off to attend to personal commitments before reconvening to discuss strategies for the upcoming seasons. For the skipper himself, the love for the game remains the primary driver.

“We will just go off to our homes, probably take some time off, and then obviously we will probably connect over calls or Zoom and have discussions moving forward,” Rahane noted. As for his immediate plans, the veteran batter is looking forward to returning to domestic action. “For me, just a couple of days off. I am going to play my local league in Mumbai, which I am really looking forward to. I am happy as long as I am playing cricket. So yes, a couple of days off and then back to cricket.”