IPL 2026: 'Why engage in fights, keep quite,' says Sehwag on Rahane's 'jealousy' remark

NEW DELHI: Virender Sehwag has advised players to avoid unnecessary confrontations in response to Ajinkya Rahane’s “jealousy” remark about critics during IPL 2026. The former India opener suggested that engaging in such exchanges serves little purpose, especially as scrutiny intensifies around Kolkata Knight Riders amid their winless start to the season.

Rahane, leading KKR through a difficult phase with back-to-back defeats, appeared visibly displeased when questioned about his strike rate in a press conference. His response, labelling critics as "jealous" drew attention for its sharp tone, marking a departure from his typically composed public persona.

Earlier, after KKR’s campaign opener, Rahane handled a query on why Cameron Green was not being used as a bowler with far more restraint, indicating that the matter was influenced by directives from Cricket Australia. Sehwag believed that response but pointed out the inconsistency in tone.

"I don't think players should say all of this. I know he is the captain and he was asked why Cameron Green isn't bowling. He didn't have a straight answer for that, so he said to ask Cricket Australia," Sehwag told Cricbuzz.