Ajinkya Rahane on KKR’s strategy as the IPL 2025 playoff race intensifies: “No ifs, buts, maybes”

The captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Ajinkya Rahane, acknowledged that although it is simple to point out a team’s mistakes or reflect on “what is,” it is crucial to put the past behind you and move on, particularly in fiercely competitive leagues like the Indian Premier League. Before the defending champions play the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a pivotal match on May 17 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, he made these comments.

Even two victories in their final two games might not be enough for KKR, who had a mediocre IPL 2025 season and are only theoretically in the running for the playoffs. Rahane praised his players for a number of outstanding prior performances, emphasising the necessity for them to have confidence and play to the best of their abilities.

What if agar yeh match jeete toh aise hota, agar woh close game hum jeete toh waisa hota? It’s quite easy to determine what would have happened if we had won this game or if that close game had gone our way. Learning from our mistakes is crucial for us, regardless of what has happened in the past.

At the Star Sports Press Room, Ajinkya Rahane stated, “There are things that are done really well as a team.”

No ifs, buts and maybes, just focusing on the #IPLRace2Playoffs! 🎯

Skipper @ajinkyarahane88 addresses the Press Room ahead of their clash against #RCB! Watch Press Room full episode ft. Ajinkya Rahane on JioHotstar 👉 https://t.co/xVj3tqafW5

1 DAY TO GO FOR #IPLonJioStar 👉… pic.twitter.com/FU0IHf0FiY

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 17, 2025

The squad would approach every season as a new beginning, with the aim of winning the trophy, according to the top-order batter. Additionally, he highlighted the value of maintaining simplicity and concentrating on doing their best work.

Simply have faith in that, and ensure that we play as a team with great strength and potential, making very few mistakes. Every season should be started from the beginning, and I always think that’s vital, but it’s always about keeping things simple. “Try your hardest on that during that specific season and try to win the trophy,” he said.

With 16 points, RCB is currently in second in the IPL 2025 standings, and a victory would guarantee them a postseason berth. In the meantime, KKR is currently sixth in the standings and needs to improve their run rate in the final two games to improve their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.