New Delhi. Kolkata Knight Riders had to face defeat against Mumbai Indians in their first match of IPL 2026. Batting first at the Wankhede Stadium, Kolkata had scored 220 runs, which KKR bowlers could not defend in front of the explosive innings of Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane's bat shined, but his half-century was not enough for the team's victory. KKR suffered a big blow in the second innings, when Rahane suddenly had to leave the field, after which vice-captain Rinku Singh took command.
limped off the field
Rahane was forced to leave the field due to muscle strain. Actually, while chasing the target of 221 runs of Mumbai Indians, Rahane fell on the field after the end of the fourth over. Despite getting treatment from the team's physiotherapist, the 37-year-old player could not continue the game. After lying on the field for a few minutes, the KKR captain was helped by his teammates to get up and for some time he even took the support of the shoulders of his two teammates to get out of the field.
Ajinkya Rahane himself gave a big update.
Rahane gave update after the match
However, later Rahane himself walked out of the field, but he was limping. After this Rahane did not return to the field, due to which the fans became tense. Questions began to arise as to whether he had suffered any serious injury. Will he be able to play for KKR in the next matches? Rahane gave a big update about himself in the presentation after the match and told that he is fine now. The KKR captain said, 'I am fine, I am just feeling a lot of strain and cramps in the calves of both my legs. Hopefully I will get well soon, but there is still a lot of pain and stiffness. Kolkata Knight Riders' next match is against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2 at Eden Gardens. Hopefully Rahane will be fully fit and seen on the field by then.
Gave a great start with stormy batting
Rahane batted brilliantly in the match. He spent more than an hour at the crease while opening the KKR innings. He played an explosive inning of 67 runs in 40 balls before getting out to Shardul Thakur in the 14th over. His innings included three fours and five sixes. However, KKR bowlers ruined Rahane's innings.
What did Rahane say on the defeat?
Rahane said, 'It was very difficult. I thought the score of 220-225 was good and we batted very well, but our bowling is a bit inexperienced. These boys will still learn. Playing against a strong batting team like Mumbai Indians is a good opportunity for us to learn. The captain further said, 'Apart from Vaibhav and Karthik, Muzarabani is also new to the IPL. We have two experienced spinners, but Mumbai Indians batted really well. Our bowlers will definitely learn from this experience.
He said, 'Right now we have to find the right balance in bowling. Batting has been good, but bowling needs improvement. Rahane said, 'There were many positive things in batting. Karthik Tyagi also bowled well after returning after a long time. Overall, there is a lot to learn.
