'Bit of a shocker': Ajinkya Rahane slammed for 'batting first' in rain-hit clash vs Punjab Kings
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane drew sharp criticism for choosing to bat first against Punjab Kings despite a rain forecast. Experts like Anil Kumble and Ravichandran Ashwin questioned the decision, especially with an inexperienced bowling attack. The move backfired as KKR lost two early wickets before rain halted play, leaving them struggling.
NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane faced heavy criticism on Monday after opting to bat first in a rain-threatened clash against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens. In matches with rain forecasts, captains usually prefer to field first to have clarity on the target in a shortened game. However, Rahane’s decision did not go down well with many, including legendary Anil Kumble and former India cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin and Saba Karim.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rain was triggered by a low-pressure trough stretching from Bihar to Manipur, passing over North Bengal, Assam and Bangladesh, leading to moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal. “Thunderstorms with lightning and rain may occur in most districts of South Bengal. From Sunday to Thursday, scattered rainfall is likely across the state, with higher intensity on Tuesday and Wednesday,” the IMD said.
Despite these conditions, Rahane’s decision to bat first drew criticism from former cricketers. “I am surprised that Rahane won the toss and chose to bat first. On a pitch like this, where there's some rain around, ideally, you would want to field first,” Kumble said on the JioHotstar broadcast during the rain break.
Ashwin took to social media and posted a sarcastic remark. "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.