Kolkata, April 3 — Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has uplifted his players' spirits following a 65-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens in IPL 2026. KKR was all out for 161 runs while chasing a target of 227 runs set by SRH, marking the team's second consecutive loss this season.
Despite the setbacks at the start of the tournament, Rahane stressed the need for positivity in the dressing room. He conveyed that losing two matches in a row does not mean they are out of the tournament. Rahane appreciated the bowlers' efforts in the last 10 overs.
In a video shared on KKR's social media account, he mentioned that this loss is not the end of the world, highlighting several positive aspects from the match, especially the team's strong comeback after the 10-over mark. He noted that they bowled excellently in the final 10 overs and emphasized that what matters most is their mindset in the dressing room. Rahane urged players to have faith in themselves, stating that any player can be a match-winner for the team.
He reassured them that every player present has the potential to win matches from any situation. The focus should always be on their capability to secure victories for the team, and he expressed complete trust in each player. He also praised the aggressive approach shown by the batsmen from the start while chasing a big score against Sunrisers Hyderabad, acknowledging that the team cannot win every match.
Rahane reflected on the lessons learned from the game, emphasizing the intention to win from the first ball and expressing hope for future victories. He stated that while the world may have its opinions, it is essential to maintain a positive outlook.
KKR has had a rocky start in IPL 2026, facing defeats in their first two matches, which is only the second time in IPL history that the team has lost both opening games. Under Rahane's captaincy, KKR will face Lucknow Super Giants in their next match on April 9.
