IPL 2026: Ajinkya Rahane opts to bat first in overcast conditions, fans call him a disappointing captain

Published - 06 Apr 2026, 20:54 IST | Updated - 06 Apr 2026, 20:56 IST

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane’s decision to bat first against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at Eden Gardens on Monday, April 6 raised eyebrows among fans and experts. The city had witnessed considerable rain before the match, and conditions remained overcast even as the showers eased.

Typically, teams prefer to bowl first in such scenarios, taking advantage of swing-friendly conditions and the ability to plan their chase based on revised targets if rain interruptions occur. Rahane, however, backed his instincts at the toss, describing the pitch as a good wicket, slightly on the drier side with less grass covering and opted to put runs on the board.

His call proved risky as the three-time champions’ batting faltered early. With the ball swinging sharply, Punjab’s pacers exploited the conditions. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh set the tone in the opening over, and Xavier Bartlett intensified the pressure in the second. The Kiwi batter Finn Allen edged one to the wicketkeeper Prabhsimran Singh on the fourth ball of Bartlett’s over, departing cheaply. Cameron Green followed suit on the final delivery, nicking another one behind the wicket.

By 3.4 overs, KKR were struggling at 25/2 when rain interrupted play once again, compounding their woes. The early dismissals highlighted the gamble Rahane took by batting first in bowler-friendly conditions, leaving KKR on the back foot in a crucial contest.

- Overcast Conditions- Grass on wicket- Moisture- Main spinners injuredAny other team would have bowled first in this scenario.But Abhishek Nayar and Ajinkya Rahane are special and decided to bat first.

When you know it’s going to be a rain affected game, with an inexperienced bowling attack at your disposal, you choose to bat first.Interesting thought process. #ipl2026

There are chances of rain and dhurandhar rahane decided to bat first 😹😹 https://t.co/dPJvYPCwI7

Whenever weather comes into play.. team wins toss prefer to bowl.. But today it's otherwise, Rahane win toss n decided to bat 😳 KKR lost 2 wkts in 3.4 overs and now rain interrupted match also 😂#KKRvsPBKS #PBKSvsKKR #KKRvPBKS #PBKSvKKR #ShreyasIyer #AjinktaRahane #IPL

Or maybe rahane knew it'll be a washout and chose to bat for some batting practice

Rahane worst captain ever in IPL? That decision was just bad 🤦‍♂️ #KKR #kkrvspbks #rahane #shreyasiyer

Both Rahane and Nayar will be responsible for this disaster

Ajinkya rahane and abhishek nayar is on a mission to destroy kkr.Sack them before its too late @iamsrk

So rahane knew there could be potential rain and still chose to bat first because the pitch seemed dry even though he does not have either of his 2 spinners? Make it make sense.

Previously all captains brought their own strategy and led Kolkata Knight Riders in distinct ways. Some won, some lost. But Ajinkya Rahane & Abhishek Nayar might be the most disappointing captain, coach duo in KKR history. @iamsrk #amikkr#KKRSackAjinkyaRahane

Rahane will say people with logic are jealous of him

Venky Mysore or Srk to recreate this with Rahane after the match 🙌