NEW DELHI: Ajinkya Rahane hailed Kolkata Knight Riders’ calm execution and the impact of their senior players after KKR edged past Mumbai Indians by four wickets, keeping themselves firmly in contention for the IPL 2026 playoffs. The KKR skipper pointed to how the team handled pressure and played each phase with purpose, with particular credit going to their experienced and crafty spin options.
Rahane was especially pleased with the discipline shown by veteran spinner Sunil Narine and the mystery-turn of Varun Chakaravarthy. He felt their bowling kept Mumbai Indians boxed in for long stretches, preventing MI from settling into a comfortable rhythm during the innings.
“That was really important, I was really happy with the way Varun and Sunil were bowling,” Rahane said following the win at Eden Gardens.
Rahane also singled out Manish Pandey for special appreciation. The experienced batter played a steady, pressure-handling role in the chase, contributing a composed 45-run knock to help KKR complete the job.
“Really happy for Manish, his work ethic and attitude, it is not easy when you are not playing regularly. Today's knock I am very happy and each and every member is happy for Manish,” Rahane added.
KKR’s triumph was built on a disciplined bowling effort first. Their bowlers managed to hold Mumbai Indians to 147/8, despite a late burst from Corbin Bosch that threatened to lift the total. In reply, Manish Pandey and Rovman Powell put together a crucial partnership that shifted momentum in KKR’s favour before Rinku Singh finished the chase and sealed the victory.
Speaking on KKR’s recent upswing, Rahane suggested the improvement has come from focusing on the immediate match rather than getting distracted by the bigger picture of the tournament.
“What has worked for us in the last 6-7 games is being in the moment and taking it one game at a time,” he said.
With this result, Kolkata remain well and truly in the playoff hunt as the league season enters its decisive final stretch.
