IPL: Rahane identifies middle-over wickets as KKR's downfall vs RCB
What's the story
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) new captain Ajinkya Rahane has pinpointed a key moment in their opening match loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025.
Despite Rahane's stellar performance, where he scored 56 runs off 31 balls, KKR lost by seven wickets at Eden Gardens.
The side is now gearing up for their next match against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday in Guwahati.
Game analysis
Rahane reflects on team's performance
In a post-match press conference, Rahane lamented the team's performance, saying, "I hope you all enjoyed my innings rather than me enjoying my batting. For me, it's all about contributing for the team and that's what matters to me."
He added that KKR lost their way due to a flurry of wickets in the middle overs.
Match breakdown
Middle-order collapse costs KKR
Further, Rahane emphasized KKR's middle order, which is usually their strength, didn't make the most of a good start.
The side was sitting pretty at 107/1 in the 10th over but could only post a below-par 174/9 after 20 overs.
Other than Angkrish Raghuvanshi's 30-run contribution, other batsmen tumbled quickly and they could only score 23 runs in the last four overs.
Opposition analysis
Rahane praises RCB's bowling
Rahane praised RCB's bowling, especially in the powerplay and the important 13th and 14th overs.
He said, "I thought RCB bowled really well in the powerplay, but important was how they picked up wickets in the 13th and 14th overs. Those were crucial since that was the momentum-changer."
However, despite the loss, he is confident his team can bounce back.
Bowling support
Rahane backs fast-bowling trio
Rahane also defended the selection of Quinton de Kock over Rahmanullah Gurbaz as the wicketkeeper-opener.
He said, "Gurbaz is a fantastic player but you cannot play everyone. We have to fit the combination in that manner."
On the bowling front, he backed Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, and Spencer Johnson—three inexperienced fast bowlers—despite them conceding 105 runs for just one wicket on Saturday.