Ajinkya Rahane Among 2 Possible Casualties At KKR After IPL Elimination

Ajinkya Rahane under scrutiny after KKR IPL 2026 exit [Source: AFP]

KKR got eliminated from the IPL 2026 playoff race even before they could compete against DC in their final league game. Naturally, a bad season comes with consequences, and captain Ajinkya Rahane is expected to bear the brunt of it.

The season began on a tough note for KKR as they lost their first five games of the season. While a second-half resurgence brought them back into the playoff race, the comeback came just too late.

RR beat MI to qualify for the playoffs, while KKR settled for the seventh spot with 13 points in 14 games.

Ajinkya Rahane to lose KKR captaincy, report claims

Meanwhile, after KKR’s playoff elimination, it appears that Ajinkya Rahane’s future as captain will be discussed soon. According to Sangbad Pratidin, KKR management is unhappy with Rahane’s batting approach and captaincy.

His strike rate has been awfully low, especially in an IPL season where aggressive openers across teams have consistently scored at strike rates above 200.

The report suggests some within the franchise believe KKR lost multiple matches because of tactical mistakes and conservative decisions under Rahane’s leadership.

Regardless, Ajinkya Rahane reportedly apologised to the team and took full responsibility. However, he defeated his teammates and support staff.

There was even speculation that Rahane could announce retirement after KKR’s final league-stage defeat to Delhi Capitals, although that did not happen.

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However, KKR reportedly want to move forward and go in a fresh direction, possibly with an option for a younger captain. Overall, it appears that Rahane has played his final game for KKR.

Abhishek Nayar is under scrutiny as well

Apart from Ajinkya Rahane, head coach Abhishek Nayar could lose his job as well. Nair was previously associated with KKR’s academy and support staff before being promoted as head coach after Chandrakant Pandit’s departure.

However, the report says many within the franchise feel he struggled with the pressure of managing a high-profile IPL side.

While Abhishek is respected for player management and his work with stars like Rohit Sharma, handling individuals is different from leading an entire franchise campaign.

A detailed season review report will reportedly be submitted to KKR ownership, after which a review meeting will determine the futures of both Ajinkya Rahane and Abhishek Nayar.

What should be the right way forward for KKR? 

What does Akshita think about it?

That being said, KKR do seriously need a major transition. Ajinkya Rahane is past his prime and doesn’t add any value to the modern-day dynamics of the IPL.

Opting for a younger captain like Rinku Singh is the right way forward. If not Rinku, KKR should seek a better option in the upcoming IPL auction or approach other teams for a trade.

A captaincy change will directly affect the approach, and it's exactly what KKR need at the moment to regain competitiveness.

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