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Ajinkya Rahane praised as best IPL 2026 captain by Murali Kartik

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 4, 2026, 6:52 PM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

Ajinkya Rahane praised as best IPL 2026 captain by Murali Kartik

Summary

Murali Kartik has named Ajinkya Rahane the best captain of IPL 2026, recognizing his leadership of the struggling Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite starting the season winless in their first six matches, Rahane rallied the team to playoff contention, overcoming numerous challenges including injuries. Even though KKR finished seventh in the standings and missed out on the playoffs after a strong recovery, Kartik commended Rahane's ability to unite and uplift the squad during adversity. Rahane's performance as captain was marked by maintaining team morale amid external criticism. KKR's season included key injuries to several players, affecting their early performance.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Murali Kartik endorses Rahane as IPL 2026's best captain
•KKR overcome poor start, winning six of last eight matches
•Team finished seventh, missing playoff qualification
•Rallied a depleted squad affected by key player injuries
•Kartik highlights Rahane's resilience against early criticism

Latest Updates

6:52 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Everybody was throwing darts at him’: Ex-India cricketer names Ajinkya Rahane as IPL 2026 best captain

What they're saying

"
Murali Kartik lauded Ajinkya Rahane as IPL 2026's top captain, highlighting his leadership of a depleted Kolkata Knight Riders squad. Despite injuries and early criticism, Rahane guided the team to playoff contention until the final league day, a remarkable turnaround from a winless start. Kartik emphasized Rahane's ability to rally the side against adversity.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Mumbai Indians Kolkata Knight Riders Rajasthan Royals Punjab Kings India IPL Cricket