Rahane praised his bowlers for fighting back after conceding plenty of runs in the PowerPlay

Responding to a query about some experts’ views about his role in KKR, Rahane, who has a strike rate of 150 this season (his second best after 172.48 in 2023) so far, said, “I’ve one of the best strike rates since 2011. The people who’re talking about me, probably (they’re) not watching the matches, or they’ve certain other targets, they don’t like me playing. The amount of success I got, I guess they’re jealous of me. I’m happy they’re talking about me, negative or positive.”

For Nitish Reddy, the 18th edition of the IPL has lent a first-hand experience of just how fickle the T20 format can be. At the start of this year’s summer ritual, the 22-year-old must have intended to build on his breakthrough 2024 season. In Sunrisers Hyderabad’s run to last year’s final, Nitish had been the surprise package, his quickfire runs and a few overs of medium-pace providing Pat Cummins’ men greater depth in the two core departments.

For Nitish Reddy, the 18th edition of the IPL has lent a first-hand experience of just how fickle the T20 format can be. At the start of this year’s summer ritual, the 22-year-old must have intended to build on his breakthrough 2024 season. In Sunrisers Hyderabad’s run to last year’s final, Nitish had been the surprise package, his quickfire runs and a few overs of medium-pace providing Pat Cummins’ men greater depth in the two core departments.