![Ajinkya Rahane's KKR captaincy questioned [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1774883355366_AjinkyaRahane'sKKRcaptaincyquestioned.jpg?type=hq)
Ajinkya Rahane's KKR captaincy questioned [Source: AFP]
KKR capitulated in front of hosts Mumbai Indians in their opening match of the IPL 2026 season. Defending 221, KKR bowlers failed to contain Rohit Sharma and co. as the five-time champions cantered to a comprehensive last-over win in a high-scoring cracker.
According to a former Mumbai Indians captain, the entire onus of KKR’s defeat rested on skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s shoulders.
Harbhajan Singh blames captain Ajinkya Rahane for KKR defeat
Former Indian cricketer and ex-Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Singh believes that KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane missed a trick by not using prime spinner Sunil Narine in the powerplay overs. The legendary off-spinner also added that even two overs from Narine in the powerplay might have put the early pressure on Mumbai Indians openers, Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton.
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With Sunil Narine not even completing his quota of four overs till the end, Harbhajan Singh straight-up criticized Rahane’s captaincy, claiming that his leadership skills were not up to the mark.
While talking on JioStar, he said “The best match-up was to bowl Sunil Narine in the powerplay, at least one or two overs to target Rohit Sharma early. That was their best chance to pick wickets and put Mumbai under pressure. Instead, Narine didn't even complete his full quota, which shows the captaincy wasn't up to the mark.”
Harbhajan Singh hails Mumbai Indians openers for big win
Harbhajan Singh also hailed ex-teammate Rohit Sharma and his current opening partner Ryan Rickelton for setting the tone of the high-scoring innings early in the run chase itself. According to the former Indian cricketer, both Mumbai Indians openers batted with utmost ease and did not allow KKR bowlers to settle.
However, he also added that KKR could have handled the initial phase of the Mumbai Indians innings better. He said “Credit to Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. They batted with ease and never let the bowlers settle, but KKR could have handled that phase much better.”
How did Ajinkya Rahane ‘miss the trick’?
KKR batted first and mounted 220-4 in 20 overs, with captain Ajinkya Rahane top-scoring in the innings with his attacking 67-run knock from 40 balls. Angkrish Raghuvanshi also slapped an electrifying 29-ball 51 in the backend of the innings.
In response, Mumbai Indians raced to 80-0 at the end of the six-over powerplay phase. By the time captain Rahane employed Sunil Narine into the attack, both Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton were already accustomed with the chase and they ended up whacking 148 runs together in 11.5 overs.
Tilak Varma and home captain Hardik Pandya also unleashed quick cameos as Mumbai Indians cruised to a comfortable six-wicket win with five balls to spare.
In any case, Ajinkya Rahane will have an opportunity to rectify his errors when KKR return to action for their next IPL 2026 fixture. Under his leadership, the team will go up against Sunrisers Hyderabad in match number six of the tournament on Thursday, April 2 later this week at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
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