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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane has raised eyebrows across the cricketing world by declaring himself “proud” of his team despite a nightmarish start to IPL 2026. With four matches played, zero wins, one washout, and three consecutive defeats, KKR sits rock bottom of the points table. Yet, after a three-wicket last-ball loss to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Eden Gardens, Rahane chose to focus on the positives rather than panic.
The statement has sparked intense debate among fans and experts. But a closer look at the match and Rahane’s explanation reveals why the veteran captain remains optimistic.
KKR loses last-ball thriller against LSG
KKR’s latest defeat came in the most agonising fashion possible. Defending 181/4, the Knight Riders took the game to the final delivery. LSG’s Mukul Chaudhary smashed an unbeaten 54 off 27 balls to snatch victory, but the margin was razor-thin – just three wickets and a single ball to spare.
On a pitch that was far from a batting paradise, 181 was a highly competitive total. Unlike a one-sided collapse, KKR pushed the opposition to the brink, showcasing fight and resilience that Rahane believes bodes well for the rest of the tournament.
Rahane’s post-match reaction
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Rahane did not shy away from expressing his true feelings.
“Tough one to take, but really proud of the boys for the way we played,” he said. “Mukul’s knock was defining, but the fight we showed – especially with the bat – gives me a lot of belief.”
He elaborated that the dressing room atmosphere remains positive because the team is losing by small margins rather than getting blown away. “We are right there. One good over, one lucky break, and the results will turn,” Rahane added.
Key positives for KKR
Despite the winless run, Rahane pointed to concrete on-field improvements that have gone unnoticed in the loss column.
Batting depth: KKR posted 181/4 against LSG, with Rahane himself scoring 41, young Angkrish Raghuvanshi hitting 45, and Rovman Powell smashing an unbeaten 39 off just 20 balls.
Bowling dight: The bowlers took the game to the final over, with Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy applying pressure at crucial moments.
Competitive scores: In their previous matches, KKR have consistently posted or chased totals above 160, indicating that the batting unit is firing.
Rahane specifically praised the middle order for stepping up in the absence of key overseas players.
Also WATCH: Ajinkya Rahane launches a bizarre six as his bat slips mid-shot during KKR vs LSG encounter
Rahane’s tactical explanation: Why the final over didn’t go to plan?
One of the biggest criticisms after the LSG loss was KKR’s execution in the final over. Rahane provided a detailed tactical breakdown to defend his bowlers.
“Our plan was to keep Avesh Khan on strike because we felt he was less explosive. But with only two fielders allowed outside the circle in the last over, it’s very hard to control the boundary. Mukul played a gem of an innings. Sometimes you have to accept that the opposition batter was better on the day,” he explained.
He also noted that the Eden Gardens pitch had slowed down considerably, making it difficult for new batters to start hitting immediately. The fact that LSG struggled until the final ball, he argued, proved that KKR’s total was indeed defendable.
The Knight Riders will next face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 14 at Chepauk. A win there would not only open their account but also restore confidence. For now, Rahane’s message is clear: don’t judge this team by the scoreboard alone. The fight is real, and the turnaround is coming.
Also READ: Fans go wild as Mukul Choudhary’s late blitz powers LSG to thrilling win over KKR in IPL 2026
