Kolkata Knight Riders: Virender Sehwag has advised players to avoid unnecessary confrontations in response to Ajinkya Rahane’s “jealousy” remark about critics during IPL 2026. The former India opener suggested that engaging in such exchanges serves little purpose, especially as scrutiny intensifies around Kolkata Knight Riders amid their winless start to the season.
Rahane, leading KKR through a difficult phase with back-to-back defeats, appeared visibly displeased when questioned about his strike rate in a press conference. His response, labelling critics as "jealous" drew attention for its sharp tone, marking a departure from his typically composed public persona.
Earlier, after KKR’s campaign opener, Rahane handled a query on why Cameron Green was not being used as a bowler with far more restraint, indicating that the matter was influenced by directives from Cricket Australia. Sehwag believed that response but pointed out the inconsistency in tone.
"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," Sehwag told Cricbuzz.
"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 asked.
Drawing on examples of icons renowned for their composure, Sehwag emphasised that silence often speaks louder than rebuttals. He pointed to figures like former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, who rarely respond directly to criticism despite facing intense public scrutiny.
"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 asked.
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"So, I feel one should keep quiet. Score a century and everyone will be quiet. Keep calm and do your work. What else? I don't think these things require an answer," he opined.