Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull defended Ajinkya Rahane for his comments on his strike rate amid IPL 2026. Rahane’s strike rate was questioned by a journalist in the press conference but the KKR opener said he has one of the best scoring rates in the last few seasons.

Furthermore, Rahane gave a blunt response when he was asked about Cameron Green’s unavailability to bowl in the opening clash against Mumbai Indians.

“The people who’re talking about me, probably (they’re) not watching the matches, or they’ve certain other targets, they don’t like me playing. The amount of success I got, I guess, they’re jealous of me. I’m happy they’re talking about me, negative or positive,” Rahane responded (via Sportstar).

Simon Doull said on Cricbuzz, “His numbers in the last four years have not been that bad. He averages 30 and strikes at 148 over 30-odd games. People are talking about dropping him. It’s a better record than what Rohit has got in the last four years. It’s an equal record to Ishan Kishan in the last four years. You are not talking about dropping any of those blokes. Hence his frustration. But it comes down to the pressure from a captaincy point of view.”

Doull said Rahane’s criticism came when KKR finished eighth in the IPL standings in the previous season.

“The criticism came with them finishing eighth last year and having a bad start this year. He is frustrated because they don’t have the tools in the toolbox. They are not doing their job and are not playing well as a group. It’s not all his fault,” said Doull (via the aforementioned source).

Rahane scored a decent knock of 67 runs in the opening clash against MI but he was dismissed cheaply against SRH. The KKR opener remained unbeaten on eight runs off six balls against PBKS before rain played killjoy.