Not afraid of challenges… Captain Ajinkya Rahane is ready to make KKR champion for the fourth time.

Kolkata. Despite last year's disappointing performance and many changes in the team, Kolkata Knight Riders have retained faith in captain Ajinkya Rahane, who said here on Friday that he is ready to take up the responsibility with calmness and positivity. Rahane scored 390 runs in the last season but his team could win only five matches and ultimately finished eighth. This experienced batsman said that there is no pressure on him and he is focusing on facing the challenges with the right mindset.

Rahane told reporters, 'Every year, as a player and captain, different challenges arise. I have learned throughout my journey that no matter how many challenges there are, one should remain positive every time. This 37-year-old player said, 'I have been leading the team since last year and am very grateful to the franchise that they gave me this responsibility of leading the team. I am taking everything with ease, taking everything in a positive manner. There are always opportunities, there are challenges, but you always see opportunities. He said, 'My mindset throughout my career has always been that if I see any challenge, I take it in a positive manner and try to do my best as a player and as a captain.'

On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders' new head coach Abhishek Nair said that the biggest challenge remains to prepare the right combination for the three-time champion team before IPL 2026. The last season was disappointing for KKR, after which many changes were made in the team. He has included big names like Cameron Green, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra in the team, but has not finalized his batting order yet.

Nair told reporters, 'I find it very difficult to predict what can go wrong, but all I can tell you is that I do not know how the tournament will play out, but I think initially we have to ensure that by March 29 we have a fully fit playing XI.'

KKR will start its campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29 in Mumbai. KKR, which finished eighth last season with only five wins, will have to field with a new opening pair in the absence of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Quinton de Kock.