Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership was abruptly halted during Kolkata Knight Riders’ narrow victory over Delhi Capitals after he suffered a blow to his right hand while fielding. The incident occurred in the early stages of DC’s innings when Faf du Plessis unleashed a powerful drive off Andre Russell. Positioned at short cover, Ajinkya Rahane took the hit flush on his hand, wincing in immediate pain before walking off for treatment.
Despite initial optimism during the post-match presentation—where Ajinkya Rahane insisted, “Not bad… I’ll be fine”—concerns remain over his availability for the remainder of the season. KKR’s medical staff, led by physiotherapist Prasanth Panchada, will reassess the injury on Wednesday to determine the full extent of the damage.
Well, that was a unique and wholesome moment between both captains as Ajinkya Rahane and Axar Patel bumped each other with injured hands. 🤜🤛😅
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) April 29, 2025
📸: JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/umi4JV10EM
Sunil Narine Assumes Leadership as Impact Player
With Venkatesh Iyer unavailable after being substituted out for Vaibhav Arora as the Impact Player, veteran spinner Sunil Narine took charge of the side during a pivotal phase of the second innings. Displaying steely composure, Narine turned the tide with a decisive spell that accounted for Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs, and du Plessis—delivering a final two-over masterclass that ensured the 14-run cushion remained intact.
His 3-wicket burst showcased why Narine remains one of the IPL’s most valuable assets, blending control, variation, and calm leadership under pressure. This performance not only stabilized KKR’s campaign but also reaffirmed Narine’s credentials as a match-winner with both ball and brain.
KKR’s Batting Falters Despite 204-Run Total
KKR’s batting, led by solid top-order contributions, posted a seemingly competitive 204. Yet, Rahane openly admitted they fell short by approximately 15 runs. The middle-order stuttered after a brisk start, missing the final flourish that could have sealed the game earlier.
Nonetheless, the bowlers rallied with discipline. Russell and Narine delivered under high stakes, supported ably by Arora and Varun Chakravarthy, whose controlled spells tightened the grip when momentum seemed to shift towards Delhi.
Playoff Hopes Rest on Final Stretch
Now placed seventh on the IPL 2025 points table with nine points from ten matches, KKR faces a familiar uphill battle. Echoing the dramatic playoff push from the 2021 season, Ajinkya Rahane urged the team to stay grounded. “What’s important is staying in the moment, taking confidence from this game and moving forward,” he said, aware of how fine the margins are in this tightly packed league.
However, Rahane’s injury throws a wrench into those ambitions. With several must-win games on the horizon, KKR will hope for a swift recovery and a leadership return before the campaign edges toward its climax.
KKR’s Path Forward: Injury Watch and Tactical Recalibration
As the squad regroups, much hinges on the fitness report expected Wednesday. If Ajinkya Rahane is sidelined, the leadership vacuum may fall to Narine or Iyer—if fully fit again. The franchise’s tactical fluidity, already under scrutiny this season, must evolve rapidly to manage this setback.
KKR’s depth will now be tested—not only in terms of personnel but in resilience, adaptability, and championship mentality. For a team known for peaking late, this win might spark the ignition they’ve been seeking.
IPL 2025: KKR vs DC – Match Summary
| Key Metrics | KKR | DC |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | 204/7 (20 overs) | 190/9 (20 overs) |
| Top Performer (Bat) | Shreyas Iyer – 62 (35) | Faf du Plessis – 48 |
| Top Performer (Ball) | Sunil Narine – 3/28 | Kuldeep Yadav – 2/29 |
| Captain | Ajinkya Rahane (injured) | Rishabh Pant |
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KP is a big fan of Ajinkya Rahane ❤️🤝#DCvKKR pic.twitter.com/AYvVazwKTW
— CricXtasy (@CricXtasy) April 29, 2025
Conclusion
Kolkata Knight Riders’ narrow triumph over Delhi Capitals comes at a steep cost as captain Ajinkya Rahane’s hand injury casts a shadow on their playoff hopes. With Sunil Narine stepping up in a leadership and bowling role, the team displayed depth under duress.
However, with critical fixtures ahead, KKR’s roadmap to qualification depends heavily on Rahane’s medical clearance, tactical recalibration, and consistent all-round performances.
