Virender Sehwag has entered the debate around Ajinkya Rahane\u2019s recent public responses, arguing that cricketers should deal with criticism calmly rather than getting drawn into emotional back-and-forth. Rahane\u2019s name has been in the spotlight after he reacted sharply to questions about his strike rate in Kolkata Knight Riders\u2019 recent campaign, following their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.<\/p>\n
Rahane came under scrutiny after KKR\u2019s clash versus Sunrisers Hyderabad, where questions were raised about his strike rate. The KKR captain pushed back on the criticism by pointing to his recent returns and suggesting that detractors may not be watching the game closely\u2014or may hold a particular agenda against him.<\/p>\n
In his defence, Rahane said that his strike rate has been among the best so far since 2023, and that people who are talking about it might be missing context or are simply not supportive of him playing his role.<\/p>\n
Commenting on Rahane\u2019s approach, Sehwag felt the captain was getting involved in debates that could have been avoided. He referenced Rahane\u2019s earlier headline-making reaction as well\u2014when Rahane redirected a question about Cameron Green\u2019s absence with the ball after KKR\u2019s opening defeat to Mumbai Indians, pointing instead toward Cricket Australia.<\/p>\n
Sehwag suggested that if a captain is asked why a player isn\u2019t bowling, the responsibility is to respond directly rather than deflecting it. He also stressed that players should remain neutral when criticism targets their form or style, because praise and criticism are both part of the sport.<\/p>\n
Sehwag also drew comparisons with some of the biggest figures in Indian cricket, highlighting that legends typically handled criticism without needing to respond publicly. He cited the example of Amitabh Bachchan\u2019s attitude toward critics, and then underlined Tendulkar as another case where the response to negative coverage was minimal.<\/p>\n
Sehwag noted that even when a newspaper once played with the idea of \u201cEndulkar\u201d in reference to Tendulkar, the batting legend remained an example of how criticism does not always require immediate reaction.<\/p>\n
On the field, Rahane\u2019s season began with promise. He scored 67 off 40 balls against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, striking at 167.5. But he was unable to carry that momentum forward, managing only eight runs from 10 deliveries in KKR\u2019s first home match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.<\/p>\n
KKR\u2019s wider campaign has also been under strain. They have lost their opening two matches, and their third fixture against Punjab Kings ended with a point after rain forced an abandonment.<\/p>\n
In that match, KKR were already facing pressure at 25\/2 in 3.4 overs. Finn Allen and Cameron Green were dismissed cheaply before the weather intervened and brought the contest to a stop.<\/p>\n
The concerns are not limited to results. The batting order has not been clicking, and Rahane\u2019s role in the top order\u2014opening the innings\u2014has become part of the conversation. At the same time, Green\u2019s continued absence with the ball, linked to injury management, has increased uncertainty about how KKR will structure their XI and balance their attack.<\/p>\n
As the situation develops, the debate around Rahane\u2019s approach off the field continues to run alongside KKR\u2019s search for stability on it. Stay with the latest IPL updates, live scoring, schedules, points standings, and the race for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Virender Sehwag has entered the debate around Ajinkya Rahane\u2019s recent public responses, arguing that cricketers should deal with criticism calmly rather than getting drawn into…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":892,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Sehwag on Rahane Outburst: IPL Cricketers Stay Calm","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Virender Sehwag backs Ajinkya Rahane to stay composed amid criticism, warning IPL stars not to react emotionally after strike-rate questions.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-893","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n