Kolkata Knight Riders despite having a poor start to their IPL 2026 campaign bounced back brilliantly as they bowed out with a 40-run loss to Delhi Capitals on Sunday. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane hailed the team’s “character and resilience” to stay alive in the tournament despite a tough start to the season.
“The situation we were in after six games and then from there coming back, keeping the league alive and playing that kind of cricket needed character, a good attitude and resilience,” Rahane said.
“I’m really proud of each and every individual. This season didn’t go our way and we didn’t qualify, which is disappointing, but I’m really proud of everyone and the kind of effort we put in.”
Rahane scored 63 off 39 balls and reflecting on his knock said one batter was needed to stay till the end on that tricky wicket.
“The wicket was a little tricky at the start. I was batting really well and knew one batter had to go through, so I tried to take my chances. I was actually looking to target strike rotation as well,” he said.
The KKR captain is not planning a long break as he looks to return to club cricket in Mumbai.
“For me, just a couple of days off. I’m going to play my local league in Mumbai, which I’m really looking forward to. I’m happy as long as I’m playing cricket,” he said.
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel praised his team’s fighting spirit despite falling short in the playoff race.
“Even when things were not going well, the way the team fought after that, I am very proud. No one thought that we would just give up and think we are already out,” Axar said.
Speaking about his learnings as captain of DC this season, Axar said staying calm under pressure was important.
“If you are not in a good frame of mind, then you can take wrong decisions or get frustrated. I think it is very important to stay calm,” he said.
Axar backed Sunrisers Hyderabad as the strongest in the playoff stage. “When their top three score runs, that team becomes very difficult to stop,” he added.
