Ajinkya Rahane continues to be one of the most dependable and experienced batters in the Indian Premier League. Entering IPL 2026, the veteran right-hander remains an important part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) setup, bringing stability, class, and leadership to the side.
After a strong IPL 2025 season with consistent performances at the top, Rahane was retained by KKR for IPL 2026 at ₹1.50 crore, confirming the franchise’s trust in his role as a senior batter and leader.
Ajinkya Rahane IPL 2026 – Key Highlights
- Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- IPL 2026 Price: ₹1.50 Crore
- Role: Top-order Batter
- IPL Debut: 2008
- Matches Played: 198
- Total Runs: 5032
- Centuries: 2
- Fifties: 33
- Highest Score: 105*
- Batting Style: Right-Handed
- Fielding: 76 catches
- Bowling: Part-time, 1 IPL wicket (2009)
Also Know: Ajinkya Rahane Captaincy Record in All Formats
Ajinkya Rahane’s Importance in IPL 2026
Rahane’s retention before the IPL 2026 season shows how valuable he remains for KKR. After leading the franchise in IPL 2025 and scoring 390 runs with a solid strike rate, he continues to be trusted for his experience at the top order.
In a squad filled with young power-hitters, Rahane provides balance with his calm approach, strong technique, and ability to anchor innings in pressure situations.
Ajinkya Rahane IPL Career Overview
Ajinkya Rahane has enjoyed a long and successful IPL journey across multiple franchises. Known for his elegance and timing, he has delivered big seasons for Rajasthan Royals, later reinventing himself with CSK and KKR.
Career Summary
| Career Stats | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Matches | 198 |
| Runs | 5032 |
| Highest Score | 105* |
| Average | 30.50 |
| Strike Rate | 125.02 |
| 100s | 2 |
| 50s | 33 |
| Fours | 514 |
| Sixes | 123 |
| Catches | 76 |
Ajinkya Rahane IPL 2025 Performance (Latest Season)
Rahane had one of his most impactful seasons in recent years during IPL 2025:
| Season | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (KKR) | 13 | 390 | 61 | 35.45 | 147.73 | 3 | 36 | 20 |
Key Highlights of IPL 2025:
- Scored a brilliant 56(31) in the opening match as captain.
- Played several quick starts that provided momentum to KKR.
- Maintained a strike rate of nearly 150, showing more aggression than earlier seasons.
Ajinkya Rahane IPL Batting Stats Year-by-Year
| Season | Matches | Runs | HS | Avg | S/R | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 13 | 390 | 61 | 35.45 | 147.73 | 0 | 3 |
| 2024 | 13 | 242 | 45 | 20.17 | 123.47 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 14 | 326 | 71* | 32.60 | 172.49 | 0 | 2 |
| 2022 | 7 | 133 | 44 | 19.00 | 103.91 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 8.00 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 9 | 113 | 60 | 14.12 | 105.60 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | 14 | 393 | 105* | 32.75 | 137.89 | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 | 15 | 370 | 65* | 28.46 | 118.21 | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 | 16 | 382 | 60 | 25.46 | 118.26 | 0 | 2 |
| 2016 | 14 | 480 | 74 | 43.63 | 126.64 | 0 | 6 |
| 2015 | 14 | 540 | 91* | 49.09 | 130.75 | 0 | 4 |
| 2014 | 13 | 339 | 72 | 28.25 | 116.49 | 0 | 3 |
| 2013 | 18 | 488 | 68* | 34.85 | 106.55 | 0 | 4 |
| 2012 | 16 | 560 | 103* | 40.00 | 129.33 | 1 | 3 |
| 2011 | 10 | 120 | 52 | 20.00 | 122.44 | 0 | 1 |
| 2009 | 8 | 144 | 62* | 24.00 | 117.07 | 0 | 2 |
| 2008 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2.00 | 23.52 | 0 | 0 |
Ajinkya Rahane IPL Fielding Stats
| Category | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Total Catches | 76 |
| Stumpings | 0 |
He remains one of the safest fielders in the slips and outfield.
Ajinkya Rahane Bowling Stats
Rahane rarely bowls, but he has:
- 1 IPL wicket (1/5 in 2009 season)
Ajinkya Rahane IPL Auction Price History
| Year | Team | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | RR | ₹4.00 Cr |
| 2019 | RR | ₹4.00 Cr |
| 2020 | DC | ₹5.25 Cr |
| 2021 | DC | ₹5.25 Cr |
| 2022 | KKR | ₹1.00 Cr |
| 2023 | CSK | ₹50 Lac |
| 2024 | CSK | ₹50 Lac |
| 2025 | KKR | ₹1.50 Cr |
| 2026 | KKR (Retained) | ₹1.50 Cr |
Ajinkya Rahane’s Last 10 IPL Innings
| No. | Match | Runs (Balls) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs SRH | 15 (8) |
| 2 | vs CSK | 48 (33) |
| 3 | vs RR | 30 (24) |
| 4 | vs DC | 26 (14) |
| 5 | vs PBKS | 0 (0) |
| 6 | vs GT | 50 (36) |
| 7 | vs PBKS | 17 (17) |
| 8 | vs CSK | 20 (17) |
| 9 | vs LSG | 61 (35) |
| 10 | vs SRH | 38 (27) |
Ajinkya Rahane’s Role in IPL 2026
- A senior opening batter providing stability.
- Expected to guide youngsters with his leadership experience.
- Can adapt between anchor and aggressive stroke play.
- Strong candidate for leadership backup in KKR.
Read Also: Abhishek Nayar Appointed as KKR Head Coach for IPL 2026
Conclusion
Ajinkya Rahane enters IPL 2026 as one of the most experienced and respected cricketers in the tournament. With over 5000 career runs, two centuries, and a remarkable ability to perform under pressure, he remains a key pillar for Kolkata Knight Riders.
His retention for ₹1.50 crore underlines his value not just as a batter but also as a leader and mentor within the squad. As he continues to evolve his T20 game, fans can expect more composed, impactful knocks from the veteran in IPL 2026.
