Rahane Fined After Another KKR Defeat
Ajinkya Rahane has been fined Rs 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate against Chennai Super Kings, even though Kolkata Knight Riders operated with three spinners. The penalty only adds to KKR’s growing list of concerns after a 32-run defeat, a game where they were never really in the contest.
Rahane said the bowlers did well to pull things back after a strong powerplay from CSK. However, he admitted that the chase was hurt by a slow start, especially on a surface where spin played a big role. Despite the loss, he stressed the need to stay positive, review combinations, and continue backing players.
Winless Start Raises Bigger Concerns
KKR are yet to win a game this season after five matches, with just one point coming from a washout. It is the first time they have gone winless after their opening five games in an IPL season. Their losing streak has now stretched to six matches across seasons(2025-2026).
The pattern is becoming hard to ignore. Poor starts, lack of momentum, and repeated struggles against spin have cost them again and again. Do they need a change in batting order? Or is it a question of intent and execution?
Batting Falters Again Under Spin Pressure
Chasing 192, KKR lost Finn Allen early and never recovered. Sunil Narine, sent to open, hit a couple of sixes but couldn’t build on it. Angkrish Raghuvanshi looked positive but fell after a reprieve, while Rahane’s slow start added pressure.
Cameron Green’s first-ball dismissal summed up the innings. The middle order, including Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh, failed to respond under pressure. Though Rovman Powell and Ramandeep tried late, the target was already out of reach. CSK’s spinners, Noor Ahmad and Akeal Hosein, were decisive, combining for four wickets. At the death, Anshul Kamboj executed his plans well, with Khaleel Ahmed supporting him.
Kolkata Knight Riders are at the bottom of the points table with no wins, KKR’s issues remain clear can they fix them in time?