‘I can adapt to any situation’- Ajinkya Rahane on his approach in IPL 2025

This season, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are experiencing some ups and downs due to erratic play from several individuals. As the team’s leading run scorer thus far this season, captain Ajinkya Rahane is the only KKR hitter who has demonstrated consistency.

With a strike rate of 149.24 and an average of 37.12, the batter has amassed 297 runs in the 10 games in which he has appeared. Despite a few outstanding performances, some continue to compare him to his time with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and believe he should be playing a more aggressive style of cricket. But Rahane has claimed he can adjust to any circumstance and that he must play the innings in accordance with the team’s requirements.

“Yes, I can adjust to any situation. Over the past two to three years, I have played for Mumbai and CSK with varying strike rates while competing for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. I even had a pretty strong strike-rate when I first arrived here, but our batters were having trouble scoring runs, so I had to adjust. Rahane stated in an interview on Star Sports that it’s critical for batters to rapidly adjust to changing circumstances.

As for me, I have played for CSK and Mumbai during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for the past two to three years, with varying strike rates. I even had a pretty strong strike-rate when I first arrived here, but our batters were having trouble scoring runs, so I had to adjust. Therefore, as a batter, it’s critical to swiftly adjust to the circumstances,” Rahane continued.

I’m Ajinkya Rahane, an offensive player.

Rahane further disclosed that he is an attacking player by nature and simply follows his gut when he is playing. He also discussed the significance of rotating the strike since, depending on the circumstances of the game, a strike rate of 120–130 can also help the team win games.

“I’m just supporting my innate abilities. I play as an attacker. I prefer to trust my gut. I enjoy playing my shots. However, if the circumstances call for me to play with a strike rate of 140, 150, or occasionally 130, we have seen in this IPL that winning the singles and doubles matches may be achieved by playing 120-130. Rahane said, “I can do that.”

I can also play with a strike rate of 180, 190, or 200 if that is what a club requests. It’s about the circumstances, then. The KKR captain came to the conclusion, “We want to read the situation really well, you know, have that match awareness, and try and play accordingly.”