- By Namrata Vijay
- Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:28 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
KKR vs LSG IPL 2026: An agitated Ajinkya Rahane had backed his own decision at the toss in their match against Punjab Kings and revealed it during their ongoing match against Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday. When he was asked whether his decision to bat first during the rain-induced match against the Punjab-based franchise was the right one, Rahane got annoyed at Pommie Mganwgwa and emphasized that the game didn't really get over. Hence, no one really knows whether this was the right decision.
The KKR skipper is under immense pressure for being defensive on the field. Known for his calm demeanor, Rahane has been seen this year defending his strike rate, batting style, and the unusual toss decision he made against the Shreyas Iyer-led side.
Although it's considered common sense that whenever a captain wins a toss in a rain-induced match, since the DLS method usually helps the chasing team, Rahane decided to bat first against the Punjab-based franchise during their last match.
ALSO READ: Sunil Narine Back In XI As Pant Opts To Bowl, Muzarabani Misses Out
This decision didn't work in their favor, as the host suffered early blows, losing two wickets after scoring just 25 runs in 3.4 overs, and the match was abandoned owing to persistent rain.
But Rahane didn't make that decision in the ongoing match as Rishabh Pant won the toss and chose to bowl first. Mgangwa was quite eager to know from Rahane as to what he would have decided if he had won the toss again.
This again put Rahane’s decision-making under scrutiny.
ALSO READ: Graeme Smith Calls Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ‘A Proper Superstar’ After Cracking Bumrah Challenge
"We wanted to bowl," Rahane was heard as saying at the toss as LSG had invited KKR to bat first.
But what happened afterward shows that Rahane has become more aggressive in the ongoing season.
Mbangwa: I'm thinking back to the previous game, actually, that's why I asked that
Rahane: That match didn't get over, so you never know.
Rahane then revealed the changes to their playing XI and gave an update on Cameron Green's fitness, who hasn't bowled in any match so far. According to Cricket Australia, Green has sustained an injury, which is why he hasn't received clearance to bowl yet.
But he did bowl during KKR's practice session before the match against LSG, suggesting his workload might increase as the tournament progresses.
"Just one change - Sunil comes in place of Blessing, Varun is still recovering from his hand injury. When he (Green) is allowed to bowl, we will probably see him. The combination gets better, so Rovman Powell plays. When Cam Green bowls, we have that extra bowler with us. We want, as a batting unit, to watch the ball and react, rather than putting pressure on ourselves by trying to focus on a specific target and then achieve it. I think just being in the moment, trying to react and watch the ball," Rahane was heard as saying at the toss.
Since questions have been raised about his decision-making skills, his snapping at the toss has only put him under the radar this year. Since the Kolkata-based franchise hasn't lived up to expectations, it will be interesting to see how Rahane balances his criticism, and that will shape their campaign this season.