Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane, on Thursday, said that people talking about his strike rate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have “certain agenda” against him and are “jealous” about the amount of success he has achieved.

Rahane’s strike rate has been 150 in the IPL this season so far, his highest since 2023. But it has still been a talking point, more so as he opens for KKR.

“I think I have one of the best strike rates so far from 2020. People who are talking about me, probably not watching the game, or they have a certain agenda against me. They don’t like me playing,” the 37-year-old Rahane said at the post-match press conference after KKR lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 65 runs.

“They don’t like to watch me play. The amount of success which I got, I guess they are jealous of me. I am not too worried,” said Rahane, who made 8 off 10 balls in KKR’s 161 all out in 16 overs while chasing 227.

Rahane made 67 off 40 balls in KKR’s opening match on March 29 when it lost by six wickets to Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

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“People who are talking, they don’t understand the game, and I think they want me to play a different kind of an inning. They didn’t expect that Ajinkya Rahane would basically improve his game this much. So I am happy they are talking about me, negative or positive, either way.

“I am really happy that they are talking, let them talk. But batting-wise, partner-wise, it’s been amazing. We have a very good partnership in Mumbai.” He said playing aggressive cricket in power play is risky, but he knew what he was doing.

“For six overs, you always look to play fearless cricket. Play fearless cricket with freedom. At times, you will struggle. That’s okay. It’s important to accept. But I know what I am doing.

“I know what I did in the past, and I back myself rather than thinking about it. Whoever is talking about me, let them talk,” said the former India Test vice-captain.

Rahane also captained KKR last season. He had a strike rate of 147.73 last season, scoring 390 runs from 13 matches.

(with inputs from PTI)

Published on Apr 03, 2026