'Hopefully, we'll go to Kolkata' - Ajinkya Rahane backs to KKR to qualify for IPL 2022 playoffs

Ajinkya Rahane has been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2022 owing to a serious hamstring injury. Rahane’s start to the season was terrific and he played some good knocks for KKR but his form took a downward trend as KKR moved further in the tournament.

This time around, Rahane had a dismal IPL season as he was able to score only 133 runs at an average of 19.00 in seven games, with a highest score of 44. Meanwhile, KKR are now in the sixth place in the points tables with 12 points and are still in playoff contention. Their last game will be on May 18 against the Lucknow Super Giants, which will decide their fate.

The franchise shared a video on their official handle as they announced Rahane’s exit from the side. “Ajinkya Rahane is going to miss the remaining games of #IPL2022 due to a hamstring injury. Wish you a speedy recovery, @ajinkyarahane88. The Knights camp will miss you,” KKR wrote on their Twitter handle.

I’ll definitely come back stronger next year: Ajinkya Rahane

After head coach Brendon McCullum made the announcement to the team members, Rahane joined them in the pool arena and shared his thoughts. He thanked the management for making him a part of the franchise and said that he is hopeful of returning stronger next year.

“I really enjoyed my time, on and off the field with everyone. (I) Learned a lot as a cricketer about life, about everything. Just want to thank all the players, support staff, Venky Sir, and management people for all your help and support. I’ll definitely come back stronger next year. And I’m sure we will do well as a team in the next game, and hopefully, we’ll go to Kolkata and the playoffs,” Rahane said in the video.

To keep their playoffs hopes alive, KKR will have to defeat LSG by a huge margin, and then hope for other results to land in their favor. With three spots left to qualify, seven teams are fighting hard to reserve the berth.