The Kolkata Knight Riders captain, Ajinkya Rahane, became defensive of his batting and leadership after the side slumped to a crushing 65-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens.

Rahane, who got dismissed for 8 off 10 deliveries, was in no mood to take criticism around his approach.

Despite a slow start to the season, Rahane did not hold back in the post-match conference, taking critics questioning his intent and strike rate.

“I think I have one of the best strike rates so far from 2023,” he said. “People who are talking about me (are) probably not watching the game or they have a certain agenda against me. They don’t like me playing. They don’t like to watch me play.”

Since 2023, his strike rate has been one of the best in the players for a minimum of 300 ball faced.

However, his numbers against spin in overs 7 to 15 and strike rate drops to 114.02 in the same time period.

Ajinkya Rahane added that, “The amount of success which I got, I guess they are jealous of me. I am not too worried. You guys know what I am doing. Just one bad innings…not a bad inning, but my intent was there.”

“Sometimes as a batter, you don’t get that rhythm, you don’t get that flow. People who are talking, either they don’t understand the game (or) I think they want me to play a different kind of innings.”

“They didn’t expect that Ajinkya Rahane will basically prove his game this much. So I am happy they are talking about me, negative or positive, either way. I am really happy that they are talking. Let them talk.”

Chasing a 227 run knock, KKR got bundled out for 161 runs, struggling to build a substanstial partnership during their innings.

Ajinkaya Rahane had no complaints with the surface, admitting KKR did fail in the game as they failed to stitch a partnership.