Kolkata, April 3 (IANS) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane motivated the players after the three-time champions suffered a 65-run loss against 2016 winners Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at Eden Gardens on Thursday.

Despite the second consecutive loss at the start of the tournament, Rahane spoke about the positives in the dressing room. He said that losing two matches in a row does not mean that they are out of the tournament.

KKR skipper also praised the bowling effort, especially after the ten overs, when the team made a strong comeback and made the SRH batters struggle for runs.

“This is not the end of the world for us, so there are positives, so many positives in the game, especially after 10 overs, how well we bowled, how well we came back in the game was amazing. For me, what is important is what we think about every day inside the dressing, that’s what matters. For me, effort matters a lot. What I saw today, after 10 overs, the effort from our bowlers was amazing,” Rahane said in a video released by KKR on X.

Rahane also told players to believe in themselves, as anyone can be match winners for the team. “You guys, every individual here, the match winners, every one of you can win the match for us from any situation. Let’s have that belief. It’s always about what ability we have, how we can win the matches for our team. I have that belief in every individual.”

He also praised the batting intent shown by the batters from the start while chasing a big total, while accepting that the team cannot win all matches.

“As I said, a lot of positives from the game. The way we battled, that intent, from ball number 1, we used that intent; it’s going to happen. There will be times when we will win the matches, 3 games, that’s decided. I just want to see the same intent, let’s not lose anything,” he said.

“Let the world talk about us, whatever they want to talk about, but it’s important we talk positively. We believe in each and every individual. So that was that,” he added.

KKR suffered two defeats in their first two games – only the second time in KKR’s history have they had such a poor start to a season. They will have to bounce back when they host the Punjab Kings on April 6, and the Lucknow Super Giants come on April 9.

–IANS

sds/bc