Kolkata, March 21: The excitement for IPL 2026 is building as the tournament is set to kick off on March 28. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane expressed confidence in his team’s batting order, describing it as formidable for the upcoming season. He noted that each season brings its own set of expectations and challenges.
Speaking to the media alongside head coach Abhishek Nayar, assistant coach Shane Watson, and mentor Dwayne Bravo, Rahane highlighted the depth of KKR’s batting unit. “The batting group we have this year is fantastic. Most of the batsmen, including foreign players, are in good form and performed exceptionally well in the World Cup. We are very excited for this season and will see how our team synergy unfolds,” he stated.
Despite the pressures of captaincy, Rahane maintained a calm and composed demeanor. “Every season comes with new hopes and challenges, whether you are a player or a captain. The most important thing for me has always been to stay positive. I have been leading the team since last year, and I am truly grateful to the franchise for this responsibility. I am taking everything in stride. When challenges arise, there are also opportunities to move forward. I have learned over the past few years to view challenges as chances to contribute to the team. This mindset has always been a part of my career, and I will strive to give my best as a player and captain,” he added.
Focusing on areas for improvement, Rahane emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum. “As a team, we want to start strong and build our rhythm. It’s a long tournament, so we don’t want to peak too early. We aim to play positive cricket. Our team comprises both international and domestic players who are in good form, which is why we, as a management team, are confident that we will perform well this season.”
The presence of all-rounders like Cameron Green adds further flexibility to the team, and Rahane confirmed that clarity regarding players’ roles will gradually improve. “We will discuss in detail with Cameron Green to define his role and responsibilities. He is an excellent player who can bat anywhere in the order and contribute with a few overs as well. During the upcoming practice matches, we will get a better idea of how to utilize him most effectively in our team combination,” he concluded.