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Captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Ajinkya Rahane Despite the terrible start of IPL 2026, “Proud” By declaring it, it has become a topic of discussion in the cricket world. With four matches, not a single win, one match washed out and three consecutive losses, KKR are at the bottom of the points table. Yet, after the last-ball defeat by three wickets at the Eden Gardens against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rahane decided to focus on positivity rather than panic.

This statement has sparked intense debate among fans and experts. But a look at the match and Rahane’s explanation makes it clear why the veteran captain remains optimistic.

KKR lost on the last ball against LSG

KKR’s recent defeat came in the most painful way. Defending 181/4, the Knight Riders took the game to the last ball. LSG’s Mukul Chaudhary He snatched victory with an unbeaten 54 off 27 balls, but the margin was very small – with only three wickets and one ball remaining.

On a pitch that was not conducive to batting, 181 was a competitive total. Instead of a one-sided collapse, KKR gave a tough challenge to the opposition, which according to Rahane bodes well for the rest of the tournament.

Rahane’s reaction after the match

In the post-match presentation, Rahane did not hesitate to express his true feelings.

“It was tough to take, but really proud of the boys for the way we played,” He said. “Mukul’s innings was decisive, but the fight we showed – especially with the bat – gives me a lot of confidence.”

He elaborated that the atmosphere in the dressing room is positive because the team is losing by small margins and not badly. “We are in the right place. One good over, one lucky break, and the result will change,” Rahane added.

Major positives for KKR

Despite the winless run, Rahane pointed to concrete improvements that have gone unnoticed in the loss column.

Batting Depth: KKR scored 181/4 against LSG, with Rahane scoring 41, young Angkrish Raghuvanshi scoring 45 and Rovman Powell scoring 39 not out in just 20 balls.

Bowling Strengths: The bowlers took the game to the last over, with Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy applying pressure at crucial moments.

Competitive Score: In their previous matches, KKR have consistently scored or chased scores above 160, which shows that the batting unit is active.

Rahane particularly praised the middle order for stepping up in the absence of key foreign players.

Rahane’s strategic explanation: Why didn’t the final over go as planned?

One of the biggest criticisms after LSG’s defeat was KKR’s execution in the final over. Rahane presented a detailed strategic analysis to defend his bowlers.

“Our plan was to keep Avesh Khan on strike as we felt he was less explosive. But with only two fielders allowed outside the circle in the final over, it is very difficult to control the boundary. Mukul played a brilliant innings. Sometimes you have to accept that the opposition batsman was better on the day,” he explained.

He also pointed out that the pitch at Eden Gardens had become very slow, making it difficult for the new batsmen to hit immediately. That LSG fought till the last ball, he argued, proved that KKR’s total was indeed salvageable.

Knight Riders will next play against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 14 at Chepauk. A win there will not only open their account but also restore confidence. For now, Rahane’s message is clear: don’t judge this team based on the scoreboard alone. The struggle is real, and change is coming.