Virender Sehwag Advises Ajinkya Rahane to Handle Criticism Calmly, Citing Sachin Tendulkar and Amitabh Bachchan
Former India opener Virender Sehwag has shared his thoughts on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane’s recent press conference outburst, advising him to respond to criticism with composure and restraint. Rahane’s reaction followed questions about his strike rate after KKR suffered back-to-back defeats in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, leaving the franchise winless in its opening matches.
Rahane’s Press Conference Outburst
During the media interaction, Rahane expressed frustration over being asked about his strike rate, calling the critics “jealous” of his performance. When questioned about why Cameron Green had not bowled, Rahane suggested that the query should be directed to Cricket Australia, hinting at instructions from the board. While Sehwag found Rahane’s answer regarding Green acceptable, he felt the captain could have handled criticism about his batting more gracefully.
“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?” Sehwag said during an interaction with Cricbuzz.
Sehwag emphasized that responding to critics is often unnecessary, and consistent on-field performance naturally silences detractors.
Learning from Legends: Tendulkar and Amitabh Bachchan
Sehwag drew parallels with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, both of whom handled criticism without publicly reacting. He highlighted that Tendulkar’s performances and Bachchan’s body of work spoke louder than any media or social commentary.
“They seem to be answering the critics, but even Bachchan saab never answered his critics. There couldn’t be a bigger example than Tendulkar; one newspaper had even written ‘Endulkar’,” Sehwag remarked.
“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 added.
Context: KKR’s Struggles in IPL 2026
KKR have had a shaky start to IPL 2026, losing their opening two matches, which put pressure on Rahane as the team captain. The franchise’s management has expressed confidence in Rahane’s leadership, but analysts note that maintaining composure under scrutiny is crucial, especially for captains leading high-profile teams.
The team has several in-form players, but their underwhelming start has put both the batting and bowling departments under the scanner. Sehwag’s advice underscores the importance of mental strength and emotional intelligence in navigating both media pressure and on-field challenges.
Takeaway
Sehwag’s counsel serves as a timely reminder to athletes that criticism is an inevitable part of professional sports. The focus, he suggests, should always remain on preparation, performance, and consistency rather than engaging in public debates. For Rahane, the lesson is clear: let performances speak for themselves, and leadership is as much about composure as tactical acumen.
As IPL 2026 progresses, how Rahane internalizes this advice could determine not only his personal confidence but also the morale and cohesion of KKR.
