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Ajinkya Rahane fined for slow over-rate as KKR lose again in Chennai
Chennai
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has been fined ₹12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during their Indian Premier League 2026 clash against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The penalty was imposed as per Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which governs minimum over-rate offences, after KKR’s first breach of the season.
As this was their first offence of the season, Rahane was fined ₹12 lakh by the match referee, in line with IPL regulations.
The loss further deepened KKR’s struggles in IPL 2026, leaving them at the bottom of the points table with no wins so far.
Rahane said the team needed to improve discipline in the middle overs and avoid time penalties going forward.
Kolkata Knight Riders will next face Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on April 17, aiming to bounce back strongly.
Team management is expected to review over-rate patterns from the match, especially during the middle overs where field adjustments and bowling changes often caused delays.
Despite the setback, KKR officials backed Rahane’s leadership, stating that the squad is still adapting to combinations in the early phase of the tournament.
The franchise has also been rotating several players in the bowling unit, which has impacted the flow of overs in pressure situations.
Chennai Super Kings’s win, powered by disciplined bowling performances, helped them strengthen their position in the standings and maintain momentum at home.
Weeks into IPL 2026, over-rate penalties have become a recurring concern for several teams, with captains often held accountable for tactical delays and frequent field changes that stretch innings beyond permissible time limits.
Experts believe that maintaining over-rate discipline is becoming increasingly important in T20 cricket, where strategic pauses and match-ups can sometimes unintentionally slow the pace of play under high-pressure conditions.
With KKR set to face Gujarat Titans next, the team will aim to correct their over-rate issues while also seeking their first win of IPL 2026.
Rahane’s fine adds pressure on KKR as they search for rhythm, consistency, and a turnaround in form ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures in the league stage of IPL 2026 season.
