Ajinkya Rahane Urged to Stay Silent Amid Criticism in IPL 2026

The Kolkata Knight Riders have had a rocky start in IPL 2026, with captain Ajinkya Rahane under fire for his performance. Following a rain-affected match, former cricketer Virender Sehwag advised Rahane to take a cue from legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Amitabh Bachchan by not engaging with critics. Sehwag emphasized that the best response to criticism is to let one's performance on the field do the talking, suggesting that scoring a century would silence detractors. This advice comes amid Rahane's struggles to lead KKR effectively in the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 7, 2026, 14:53 IST

Kolkata Knight Riders' Struggles in IPL 2026

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have had a dismal beginning to their IPL 2026 campaign, suffering defeats in their initial two matches. They managed to earn their first point when their game against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) was abandoned due to rain. Captain Ajinkya Rahane has faced intense criticism throughout this season. Following a loss to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he expressed his frustration during a post-match press conference, defending his strike rate and suggesting that there are individuals with a personal agenda against him.

In response to Rahane's situation, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has offered some advice. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Sehwag suggested that Rahane should emulate the approach of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Amitabh Bachchan by not engaging with critics. He stated, "Players should refrain from responding to such comments. While it's understandable that Rahane, as captain, was questioned about Cameron Green's bowling, he should have provided a direct answer instead of deflecting it to Cricket Australia. Criticism is part of the game, and one must remain neutral to both praise and criticism. Engaging in disputes is unnecessary."

'Let Your Bat Do the Talking'

Sehwag further emphasized the importance of silence in the face of criticism, advising Rahane to respond through his performance rather than words. He remarked, "When faced with criticism, the best response is to score a century. Let your performance speak for itself. Stay focused on your game, and there's no need for verbal rebuttals."