Ajinkya Rahane in the Crosshairs: World Cup Winner Calls Him a ‘Huge Problem’ for KKR
ajinkya rahane is facing public criticism from former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth, who warned that Rahane could be “a huge problem” for Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of KKR’s opening IPL match against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on March 29, 2026. Srikkanth said Rahane’s role at the top could block in-form openers and questioned whether he can “smash the bowling” or “anchor the innings. ” The remarks were posted on Srikkanth’s YouTube channel and were timestamped 07: 58 ET on March 29, 2026 with an update at 08: 36 ET.
Immediate fallout and the core critique
Kris Srikkanth, former India cricketer and World Cup winner, delivered a direct assessment of the KKR captain’s value as a frontline batter. He said: “Ajinkya Rahane is going to be a huge problem for them. Coming and opening, he is going to block that slot. He is playing because he’s the captain. If you think about it, he can neither smash the bowling nor anchor the innings like Virat Kohli. “
Srikkanth added that Rahane’s recent form has not matched his past impact: “He surprised us in 2023, but even before that, he didn’t do well for a long time. He is playing and possibly opening only because he has to compulsorily play as the captain. Even last year, he didn’t do very well for KKR. He is playing as a captain but what is the value he is going to add as a player? He did brilliantly for CSK in 2023 and won them the title. But the last two years, he has not done anything great. That’s where KKR are stuck. “
Ajinkya Rahane: Srikkanth’s Critique and the Playing XI Impact
The immediate tactical implication Srikkanth raised is selection pressure at the top of the order. KKR possess two noted openers in Finn Allen and Tim Seifert who are described as in-form; with Rahane opening, only one of them is likely to be selected in the playing XI. That compression of options is the central concern Srikkanth flagged, suggesting a captain’s automatic place could limit flexibility for the team management.
Context supplied in the current briefing notes that Rahane is set to lead KKR for a second straight season and that he was the highest run-getter for KKR last year even as the franchise finished eighth. The franchise has reportedly assembled a stronger squad this season, but Srikkanth’s comments focus specifically on the perceived mismatch between captaincy and batting output.
Quick context
Rahane was a standout figure in 2023 with Chennai Super Kings, where his batting contributed to a title, but commentary cited here suggests his returns over the following two years have been limited. KKR’s placement last season and Rahane’s individual run tally were both noted as part of the background to the critique.
What happens next
Team selection and the announced playing XI and batting order for the match at Wankhede will determine whether the concern raised by Srikkanth materializes on the field; final decisions are expected before the afternoon toss. The spotlight will remain on ajinkya rahane’s batting position and whether KKR opt to preserve places for Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, or hold the captain at the top despite questions about his recent striking and anchoring form.
