Former India opener Virender Sehwag has weighed in on Ajinkya Rahane’s recent reaction to criticism over his strike rate, saying batters should answer such questions calmly rather than turn the exchange into a battle. Sehwag feels that when a player is challenged on batting style or numbers, the best response is to stay neutral and let performances do the talking.

Rahane had come under the scanner after Kolkata Knight Riders’ clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he was asked about his strike rate. The KKR captain responded by pointing to his overall numbers in recent seasons, insisting that he has been among the most consistent run-scorers in the league. He had also taken a sharp tone earlier when asked about Cameron Green’s bowling availability after KKR’s opening loss to the Mumbai Indians, suggesting that the question should be directed at Cricket Australia.

“My strike rate… I have the best strike rate so far, from 2023. People who are talking are probably not watching the game or have a certain agenda against me. They don’t like me playing,” Ajinkya Rahane had said.

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Sehwag, however, believes Rahane does not need to get drawn into such exchanges.

“I don’t think players should say all of this. I know he is the captain and he was asked why Cameron Green isn’t bowling. He didn’t have a straight answer for that, so he said to ask Cricket Australia,” Virender Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

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“I can understand that. But if someone is questioning my strike rate or batting style, people will praise you and criticise you, but you have to be neutral with both. Why is there a need to engage in such fights?” he added.

Rahane has had a mixed start to IPL 2026. He scored a fluent 67 off 40 balls against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, but followed it up with just 8 off 10 deliveries in KKR’s home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.