‘I cannot understand this call’: Kumble, Ashwin slam Rahane’s shocking decision
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane faced widespread criticism for batting first against Punjab Kings despite rain forecasts and a weakened bowling attack. Former cricketers like Anil Kumble and Saba Karim questioned the surprising decision. The match was eventually abandoned due to rain, with KKR struggling at 25/2, leaving both teams to share points.
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane found himself under intense scrutiny after opting to bat first against Punjab Kings in their IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens, a decision that drew sharp criticism from several former cricketers. With rain forecast and conditions heavily favouring bowlers early on, many expected the captain winning the toss to field first and take advantage of the uncertainty. Adding to that, Eden Gardens has historically not been the easiest venue to defend totals, making Rahane’s decision all the more surprising.
KKR were also without their key spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, leaving their bowling attack considerably thin. Despite these factors, Rahane chose to bat, a move that immediately raised eyebrows. The decision quickly came under pressure as Xavier Bartlett exploited the overcast conditions brilliantly, dismissing Finn Allen and Cameron Green in the same over to leave KKR reeling early.
Soon after, rain interrupted play, and the match was eventually abandoned with both teams sharing a point. During the rain break, former India captain Anil Kumble openly questioned the call. “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. Echoing similar confusion, former selector Saba Karim added, “I cannot understand this call. I cannot wrap my head around it.