Ajinkya Rahane credited Kolkata Knight Riders’ campaign in IPL 2026 to the grit and togetherness of his teammates, even though the franchise fell short of a playoff spot. KKR were still in contention heading into the final league day, but a twist in the schedule—Rajasthan Royals’ victory in the opening game on Sunday—meant Kolkata were knocked out of the qualification race before their last league match against Delhi Capitals could even begin. Despite that blow, KKR were unable to regroup and were dismissed for 163, suffering a 40-run loss to DC.
Qualification twist and KKR’s final-day setback
KKR’s hopes of reaching the playoffs initially depended on results on the final league day. However, once Rajasthan Royals won their match early on Sunday, Kolkata were effectively eliminated before they stepped out for their fixture against Delhi Capitals.
The disappointment carried over into the chase. Chasing 204, KKR were bowled out for 163 in 18.4 overs, unable to sustain the innings against a disciplined Delhi bowling attack.
Delhi Capitals’ innings: Rahul’s push and DC’s bowling control
Delhi Capitals set the tone with a solid platform, reaching 203/5 in their 20 overs. KL Rahul contributed a brisk 60 off 30 balls to help DC post a challenging total.
- Delhi finished on 203/5 after Rahul’s 60 off 30 deliveries in the run chase.
- Lungi Ngidi was the key wicket-taker for DC, claiming three wickets.
- Saurabh Dubey also chipped in with two wickets for Delhi.
KKR’s chase: Rahane’s fight falls short
KKR’s batting effort ended at 163 all out in 18.4 overs. Ajinkya Rahane top-scored with 63, struck off 39 balls, showing intent even as the chase began to slip away.
- KKR were dismissed for 163 in 18.4 overs while chasing 204.
- Ajinkya Rahane made 63 off 39 balls during the innings.
- Delhi’s bowlers ensured the chase couldn’t gather momentum, led by Ngidi’s three-wicket haul.
What Rahane and Axar said after the match
Speaking after the game, Rahane reflected on KKR’s season and the mindset the group showed throughout, praising the effort of every individual despite missing out on the playoffs.
Rahane said: “Talking about the kind of season we had, I’m really proud of each and every one. The situation we were in after six games and then from there coming back, keeping the league alive and playing that kind of cricket needed character, a good attitude and resilience. I’m really proud of each and every individual.”
He added that turning around after difficult stretches was not easy in a long tournament like the IPL, but the team kept working to stay in the race. Rahane continued: “In the first half of the season there were key moments where we were losing out, but after that, coming back from there is never easy. IPL is a long tournament with a lot of pressure and high-pressure situations. But again, staying strong, having that character and attitude in every game and trying your best for the team – inside the dressing room we all were really happy. As I said, every individual put in that effort by going out there. This season didn’t go our way and we didn’t qualify, which is disappointing, but I’m really proud of everyone and the kind of effort we put in.”
Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel, meanwhile, highlighted the team’s response in the final stretch and expressed pride in the way they fought even when results had not been in their favour.
Axar said: “I would say that in the last three matches, the way we played, even when you know things are not going well, the way the team fought after that, I am very proud. No one thought that we would just give up and think we are already out. Things were not going well, but still the effort in the last matches, I am very proud of that.”
He also outlined what he believed DC can take forward from the campaign, including learning from mistakes and the fine margins that decide matches in T20 cricket.
- Accept mistakes first, then identify what needs to improve.
- Small swings in a single match can completely change how a season is discussed.
- Fielding moments—especially catches—can be pivotal, and if those had gone differently, DC’s position could have been altered.
Axar concluded by stressing the impact of key moments: “Firstly, you have to accept your mistakes. After that, you realize what you need to do better. That is the positive you have to take forward. If you talk about one match, if just one match had gone differently, things could have been very different. I think the last time we played good cricket, it was just about one match. If that one match had gone our way, we would have been talking differently. Like we spoke about at the toss, moments like catches were very important. If that had happened, today we would have been in a different position.”
