‘Belief and Match-winning Ability Sets Our Squad’; Ajinkya Rahane Sets the Tone for Kolkata Knight Riders Ahead of IPL
The Kolkata Knight Riders brought fans, players, and stakeholders together in Kolkata for the third edition of Knights Unplugged 3.0. The event was designed to strengthen the bond between the team and its supporters ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The evening blended entertainment with interaction, giving fans rare, close-up access to their favourite stars in a more personal setting. One of the most emotional highlights of the night was a tribute to franchise legend Andre Russell. The all-rounder’s jersey was officially retired in recognition of his immense contribution to the team over the years, a gesture that drew a heartfelt response from those in attendance. Russell, who remains closely associated with the franchise, will now take on a new role as Power Coach for the upcoming season. The event itself featured a lively mix of activities, including the introduction of the squad, on-stage conversations with players and support staff, and a range of entertainment segments. A particularly engaging moment came with a mentalism act by Naman Anand, who involved players in an interactive performance that added a unique twist to the evening before the leadership group returned to share their thoughts on the season ahead. Speaking at the event, CEO Venky Mysore emphasised the positive atmosphere within the squad and the excitement building up for the new campaign. Venky Mysore stated, “Every new season brings with it a fresh sense of excitement and anticipation. Having spent time with the squad and support staff, I see great energy in the group and a strong belief in what we can achieve together. More importantly, we’re looking forward to enjoying our cricket and playing in front of our passionate fans at Eden Gardens. We can’t wait for the season to begin and hope to make it a memorable one for the fans.” Newly appointed captain Ajinkya Rahane spoke about the responsibility of leading the side and the approach the team aims to adopt this season. “It’s a privilege to lead such a talented group, and what stands out is the belief and match-winning ability within the squad. Our focus is to play fearless, positive cricket, stay true to our preparation, and keep improving in every game. The support from Kolkata fans is truly special, it goes beyond the stadium, and it inspires us to push harder, take responsibility, and deliver consistently for them,” Rahane said. Head coach Abhishek Nayar highlighted the strength of the team’s support system and the value of experience within the group. “Sharing a dressing room with some of the most experienced individuals in the game is truly special. The leadership within our support staff is a huge advantage for all of us. For me, it’s a privilege to have people to turn to for guidance, which makes a big difference. I’ve had the opportunity to play alongside many of them, which makes the journey even more meaningful. Together, we’re focused on taking this franchise to greater heights,” he noted. The evening also included the unveiling of select team merchandise and showcased the franchise’s continued efforts to create deeper, more meaningful connections with its fanbase through such immersive experiences.
India’s Gifted Cricketer Laxman Opens Up About His Racism Experience
Once celebrated as one of India’s most naturally gifted cricketers, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan burst onto the scene with immense promise. The leg-spinner famously troubled some of the game’s biggest names, including Saleem Malik and Imran Khan. Yet, despite such a dazzling start, his international career did not stretch as long as many had expected. Reflecting on his journey in an interview with The Indian Express, Sivaramakrishnan revealed that his struggles went beyond form and performance, pointing instead to painful off-field experiences, particularly repeated incidents of racism, that left lasting emotional scars. One of the earliest such incidents occurred when he was just 14 years old. Having joined an Indian training camp as a net bowler at Chepauk, he had hurried to change after practice when a senior India batsman called out to him. Still in his cricket whites, he was unexpectedly asked to clean the player’s shoes. Shocked by the request, Sivaramakrishnan remembered responding firmly, “I just looked at him and said, ‘That’s none of my business, you just do what you need to do.’” He later realized that the senior player had mistaken him for ground staff. At the time, however, he was simply confused. “I didn’t know what racism or colour discrimination was. I was just wondering why this man had to react like this,” he said. Unfortunately, this was far from an isolated experience. During his time in the Tamil Nadu team, he recalled being referred to as “karupa,” a term pointing to his dark skin tone. The hostility extended beyond dressing rooms as well. While fielding near the boundary in cities like Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Jalandhar, he would often hear crowds taunting him with chants of “Kalia, tera kya hoga,” mocking his appearance. Another deeply hurtful moment came on his 17th birthday during a team gathering. As a cake was brought out to celebrate, a senior Indian player allegedly remarked, comparing its color to Sivaramakrishnan’s skin. “Hey Sunny, you ordered the right colour cake. Such a dark chocolate cake for a dark boy,” the player said. The comment left him devastated. Overcome with emotion, he broke down and initially refused to cut the cake. It was Sunil Gavaskar who stepped in to comfort the young spinner. “I started crying and refused to cut the cake. Sunil Gavaskar had to pacify me, and then I cut the cake with tears in my eyes,” Sivaramakrishnan recalled. These incidents, he suggested, were among the unseen challenges that affected him deeply, shaping not just his personal experiences but also his journey in the game.
