Ajinkya Rahane’s dismissal for 17 in the 18th over of Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR) chase proved to be the game-changing moment in the match. With his departure, KKR’s chase crumbled, and Punjab Kings successfully defended a modest total of 111 to secure a 16-run victory.
Rahane’s Dismissal Sparks Kolkata’s Collapse, Kaif Criticizes Decision
An error in judgment from two Kolkata Knight Riders batters triggered a dramatic collapse, leaving few to predict such a turn of events. On a good pitch in New Chandigarh on Tuesday, Punjab Kings were bowled out for just 111 runs in 15.3 overs. No team in IPL history had ever defended a total under 115, and Punjab was staring at a potential second consecutive defeat. Kolkata, despite losing two early wickets, were on course to hand Punjab a reality check, until captain Ajinkya Rahane’s dismissal.
A 55-run partnership for the third wicket between Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi had taken Kolkata well past the halfway mark in their chase, with more than 12 overs remaining. However, Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer introduced Yuzvendra Chahal, who struck in the fourth ball of the eighth over.
The googly didn’t turn much as Rahane missed a big sweep, and the ball struck him on the back leg. After the appeal, the umpire gave him out, and Rahane, not wanting to risk a review, began walking back to the dugout. Raghuvanshi called him back, and the two briefly discussed the situation before Rahane eventually left.
To KKR’s dismay, replays revealed the impact was outside off-stump, and Rahane would have survived had he opted for the review. That dismissal proved to be the turning point, as Kolkata lost wickets in quick succession, folding for just 95 runs and succumbing to a 16-run loss.
Following the game, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticized Rahane’s decision, urging him to stop being overly selfless. “High time Rahane the team man becomes a bit selfish. He should realize he is KKR’s main batsman and needs to take DRS if there’s the slightest doubt,” Kaif tweeted.
High time Rahane the team man becomes a bit selfish. He should realise, he is KKR's main batsman, he needs to take DRS if there is slightest of doubts.#KKRvPBKS
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 15, 2025
Rahane accepts ‘blame’
Ajinkya Rahane took full responsibility for Kolkata Knight Riders’ defeat and his own dismissal, offering a candid explanation about the moment. Reflecting on his dismissal, he said, “Nothing to explain, we all saw what happened there. Pretty disappointed with the effort. I’ll take the blame, played the wrong shot, although it was missing.”