Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane is optimistic that his team will kick off the upcoming IPL 2026 season on a high. Rahane said it would be imperative for them to be consistent throughout the season and come up with a collective effort.
After winning their third IPL title in the 2024 season, KKR could not even qualify for the playoffs in the previous edition. KKR had ended IPL 2025 at the eighth place in the standings with five wins and seven losses and thus, they will be determined to turn the tables in the upcoming season.
“As a team, we would like to start really well this season,” Rahane said during the interaction, facilitated by JioStar.
“It’s a long tournament and you don’t want to peak too early. As a team, and also the expectations from the boys, basically, you don’t actually look for a perfect game. There are going to be errors throughout the tournament.
“But as a unit, what we would like to do is we play positive brand of cricket. Most of the players are looking great. Even the Indian players, they had a very good domestic season as well. So as a unit, as a team management, we are really confident about the side that will do really well this season,” he added.
Rahane said the batting unit is in good form but refused to shed light on the team’s batting order for the upcoming season.
“The batting group that we have this year is amazing. I mean, most of the batters, they’re in good form. Guys from overseas also in good, very good nick. Had a very good World Cup as well.”
“I’m not going to tell you the lineup, what lineup we are going to go with, but as I said, all the batters who are here at the moment are very good in nick, very good in nick, and we just started our camp with this before, so really excited for the season,” he said.
Rahane, who has all the experience under his belt, wants to lead with a positive mindset in IPL 2026.
“Every year, there are different challenges as a player and also as a captain. What I learned throughout my journey is be positive each and every time, whatever challenges are there,” the 37-year-old said.
Kolkata Knight Riders will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on 29th March.
