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

A Season of Resilience

The conclusion of the IPL 2026 group stage saw the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face off against the Delhi Capitals in a fixture that ultimately became a dead rubber regarding the tournament’s playoff race. However, for KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, the result at Eden Gardens was secondary to the spirit his side displayed throughout a turbulent season. Despite falling to a 40-run defeat—managing only 163 in response to Delhi’s 203—the narrative surrounding the team remained one of pride and hard-fought progress.

Turning Points and Challenges

The match itself was defined by a critical turning point: a single over from Kuldeep Yadav that completely shifted the momentum in favor of the Delhi Capitals. Before this collapse, KKR appeared to be in a commanding position. Ajinkya Rahane was at the crease, batting with poise and authority, suggesting that the hosts were well on their way to chasing down the challenging target. However, once Rahane’s wicket fell, the batting lineup struggled to maintain the required tempo, leading to an inevitable collapse.

Reflecting on the conditions at the iconic Eden Gardens, Rahane noted that the pitch was particularly difficult to negotiate early in the innings. “The wicket was a little tricky at the start,” he explained. “I was batting really well and knew one batter had to go through, so I tried to take my chances. I was actually looking to target strike rotation as well.”

Reflecting on the Campaign

Despite the team missing out on a top-four finish, Rahane was quick to shift the focus toward the growth his players exhibited since the first half of the season. KKR had endured a difficult start, suffering a series of defeats that put their campaign on the brink of failure early on. The way they rallied to remain in contention until the final stages was, in the captain’s view, a testament to the character within the dressing room.

“Talking about the kind of season we had, I’m really proud of everyone,” Rahane remarked during the post-match presentation. “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’m really proud of every individual.”

He further emphasized that the IPL is a demanding tournament that tests players both physically and mentally. The ability to stay positive during high-pressure situations, he noted, was a key takeaway from their collective experience. “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. But staying strong, having that character and attitude in every game and trying your best for the team—inside the dressing room, we all were really happy.”

Looking Toward the Future

With the 2026 IPL season now in the rearview mirror for Kolkata, attention turns to the planning phase for the upcoming year. Rahane confirmed that while the players are currently heading home to honor existing commitments and take some time off, the team management will maintain communication via digital platforms to begin their preparations for the next cycle.

For Rahane personally, the break will be short-lived. True to his reputation as a man who lives for the game, he intends to return to the field almost immediately. “I’m going to play my local league in Mumbai, which I’m really looking forward to. I’m happy as long as I’m playing cricket. So yes, a couple of days off and then back to cricket,” he concluded.

While the final result against Delhi Capitals was not what the fans at Eden Gardens hoped for, the leadership shown by Ajinkya Rahane has provided a strong foundation for KKR. The team’s ability to rebound from adversity remains the defining takeaway from their 2026 journey.