Raipur: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane admitted that costly fielding lapses proved decisive in his side’s defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), as dropped catches allowed Virat Kohli to steer the chase with a match-winning century.

KKR suffered a six-wicket loss despite posting a competitive total of 192, with Rahane acknowledging that missed opportunities in the field ultimately tilted the game in RCB’s favour.

Dropped catches turn the game

Rahane pointed out that letting off key batters like Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal proved to be a turning point in the contest.

Kohli, who went on to score an unbeaten 105, was dropped early in his innings, while Padikkal also benefited from a missed chance.

“Virat, we all know, is a dangerous player, especially while chasing. Devdutt Padikkal is also batting really well this season. Taking those catches is crucial, and that’s what helped us win in the last few matches,” Rahane said after the game.

Kohli was dropped by Rovman Powell off Kartik Tyagi’s bowling, while Vaibhav Arora missed a straightforward chance to dismiss Padikkal off Cameron Green.

These lapses proved expensive, as the duo stitched together a steady partnership that anchored RCB’s successful chase.

Despite the errors, Rahane maintained that such mistakes are part of the game and highlighted the team’s effort in training. “The guys are working really hard. You can drop catches, that’s okay. It happens in cricket,” he added, reflecting a balanced approach despite the setback.

Kohli once again proves his class

Virat Kohli’s innings once again underlined his reputation as one of the finest chasers in T20 cricket.

The veteran batter paced his knock brilliantly, combining calculated aggression with composure to guide RCB home with five balls remaining.

His century, studded with 11 fours and three sixes, ensured that KKR’s bowling attack had little room to recover after the dropped chances. Padikkal’s supporting knock of 39 further strengthened RCB’s position during the chase.

Kohli’s performance not only secured a crucial win for RCB but also reinforced his status as a match-winner in high-pressure situations.

Rahane backs bowlers, praises Kartik Tyagi

While the result did not go KKR’s way, Rahane found positives in the performance of young pacer Kartik Tyagi. He praised Tyagi’s work ethic and clarity of thought, noting that his execution with the ball has been encouraging.

“He’s been really good for us, working really hard. What I like about him is his clear mindset and what he wants to execute while bowling. That’s a great sign,” Rahane said.

The skipper’s remarks reflect KKR’s focus on building a strong bowling unit despite occasional setbacks in the field.

Total was competitive, says Rahane

Rahane defended his team’s batting effort, stating that the total of 192 was competitive on the Raipur surface. He credited the middle-order batters for their contribution during the crucial middle overs.

“We thought 190 was a good total on that wicket. The batters who played in the middle overs did really well. After the game, you can always say 10–15 runs more would have helped, but overall it was a solid effort,” he explained.

However, the inability to capitalise on early breakthroughs and the dropped catches meant that KKR could not apply sustained pressure on RCB during the chase.

Playoff hopes take a hit

The defeat has brought an end to KKR’s four-match winning streak and dealt a significant blow to their playoff aspirations. With the league stage nearing its conclusion, every loss becomes critical, and KKR now face a challenging path to qualification.

In contrast, RCB have surged to the top of the points table with this win, strengthening their position in the race for the IPL 2026 playoffs.

Conclusion

Ajinkya Rahane’s candid assessment highlights how fine margins often decide T20 matches. While KKR put up a competitive total, missed chances in the field proved costly against a player of Kohli’s calibre. As the tournament progresses, KKR will need to tighten their fielding and seize key moments if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive.