Rinku, Anukul, and Varun shine as Kolkata secures a much-needed win
Punjab Newsline,Sports:
In IPL 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders finally registered their first win of the season, bringing a huge sense of relief to the camp. Captain Ajinkya Rahane expressed both satisfaction and optimism, calling the victory a potential turning point after a difficult start. He credited the team’s collective effort while highlighting the standout performances of Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, and Varun Chakravarthy.
Rahane noted that the match was filled with emotions, but the team showed resilience under pressure. He praised Varun for bouncing back strongly after a tough phase, delivering consistently in recent games. Rinku Singh, too, overcame a challenging mental phase and played a crucial finishing role, while Anukul Roy justified his selection with a confident batting performance and a vital partnership.
Speaking about his leadership style, Rahane emphasized the importance of one-on-one conversations with players rather than group discussions. He believes cricket is a simple game and that players should focus on understanding situations rather than overcomplicating strategies.
Rahane also applauded the bowling unit, stating that they have improved significantly in the last few matches by working together as a cohesive unit. Young pacer Kartik Tyagi earned special praise for his clarity, confidence, and ability to deliver in crucial overs, including the death.
However, Rahane admitted that there is still room for improvement in the batting department. He stressed the importance of rotating the strike and building innings with singles and doubles instead of relying solely on big shots.
In the end, Rahane dedicated the victory to the fans, acknowledging their unwavering support despite the team’s poor start. He said their energy and belief played a key role in lifting the team’s spirit during tough times.