Kolkata Captain Rahane is optimistic that the “experienced, dangerous and explosive” batting team can recover from the seven-wicket setback to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the inaugural match of the 2025 Indian Premier League at the Eden Gardens.

After captain Ajinkya Rahane led his team to a dazzling start with 56 runs in 31 balls, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma swept through KKR’s renowned middle order, limiting them to 174/8, even though a total of 230 or more was within reach.

“The middle-order hitters are skilled, dangerous, and explosive athletes. They have dealt with a lot of similar circumstances in the past. During the post-match news conference, Rahane told the reporters, “It’s always about giving them the freedom and allowing them to go out there to play their game.”

“It looks fantastic when it works out. Today didn’t work out, but that’s alright; it will happen. We’re going to support each person; it’s a lengthy tournament,” he said.

The seasoned player said, “For me, it’s all about contributing to the team,” in reference to his batting performance. The team always wins when I score runs, and that’s what counts to me. It would be more satisfying for me to score those runs and win.

Rahane also provided some insight into KKR’s starting lineup, saying, “We have batters who like to go after the bowlers.” In this format, Quinton de Kock has shown to be a dangerous player. At the top of the order, he has scored runs. As everyone knows, Sunil (Narine) had an amazing season and has been doing well. We think de Kock and Narine together can be a potent starting duo.

When the Kolkata Knight Riders play the Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, they will be hoping to recover.