'No ifs, buts, maybes' - Ajinkya Rahane on KKR's approach as IPL 2025 playoffs race heats up

Published - 17 May 2025, 17:08 IST | Updated - 17 May 2025, 17:24 IST

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane admitted that while it is easy to pinpoint a team's errors or ponder over 'what is', it is essential to forget the past and move forward, especially in highly competitive tournaments like the Indian Premier League. His remarks come before the defending champions' clash with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a crucial encounter on May 17 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

KKR had a mixed season in the IPL 2025 and are only mathematically in the playoffs race as even two wins in their remaining two matches may not be enough. Rahane lauded his team for various brilliant things they have done in the past, highlighting that they need tp be confident and play with their full potential.

“...its very easy to pinpoint what if agar yeh match jeete toh aise hota, agar woh close game hum jeete toh waisa hota (if we would've won this game, then this would've happened, or if that close game would've gone our way then that would've happened). For us it is important to whatever has happened in the past, learn from our mistakes, learn from our errors. There are things which are done really well as a team,” said Rahane at Star Sports Press Room.

The top-order batter stated that the team would approach each season as a fresh start, with the goal of clinching the trophy. He also emphasised upon the importance of keeping things simple and staying focused on delivering their best.

“Just be confident about that and make sure that we make very less errors and as a team we play really well, playing with vast strength and potential. And it’s important that we start every season from the scratch and I always believe in that but it’s always about keeping it simple. Try and do your best on that in that particular season and try and win the trophy,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, RCB are second in the IPL 2025 points table with 16 points and a win will ensure their playoff spot. Meanwhile, KKR are sixth in the points table and have to win the remaining two fixtures at a better run rate to increase the chances for a spot in the playoffs.