IPL 2026: Ajinkya Rahane says stepping down as KKR captain never crossed his mind

Ajinkya Rahane (Pic: AFP)

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane revealed that resigning from leadership never crossed his mind despite the team's disappointing start to the IPL season, adding that true character is tested during a squad's toughest moments.

The former champions endured a poor start to their IPL campaign, losing five of their first six matches and slipping to the bottom of the standings. However, they mounted an impressive comeback by securing victories in six of their remaining eight matches, briefly keeping their playoff hopes alive before ultimately missing out on a top-four finish.

"Throughout my career, I have approached cricket with the right attitude. Integrity and character have always been paramount to me," Rahane said during the post-match press conference following the team's final fixture.

On a personal front, the veteran batter experienced a relatively quiet season with the blade, accumulating 335 runs across 14 appearances at a strike rate of 135. His scoring rate outside of the Powerplay overs also ranked among the lowest in the tournament.

"It is crucial to stay anchored in the present. Cricket is a game where fortunes can shift instantly; we have witnessed how rapidly matches and series can turn," Rahane added. "Maintaining that positive mindset is vital. I am not someone who retreats from a challenge, so the thought of stepping down never even entered my head. When a team is up against the wall, that is precisely when you need to stand up and show what you are made of."

KKR end their IPL campaign with a defeat against DC

Kolkata Knight Riders concluded their IPL 2026 campaign with a defeat against the Delhi Capitals. Chasing a challenging target of 204, KKR were bowled out for 163 with eight balls remaining in the match.

Rahane led from the front with the bat, top-scoring for KKR with a defiant 63 off 39 balls. Rovman Powell contributed 29 runs before being run out following a sharp fielding effort from Sameer Rizvi. For the Delhi Capitals, the bowling duo of Lungi Ngidi and Kuldeep Yadav dismantled the KKR lineup, picking up three wickets each to ensure their team finished the season on a winning note.

(With PTI inputs)